A Famosa
The Historical Landmark of Malacca

A`Famosa is also among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia. This tiny gate (called the Porta de Santiago) that is still standing today, is all that is left of a once mighty fortress.

Built by the Portuguese in the year 1511 under the command of Alfonso de Albuquerque, this fortress was built to consolidate their gains in Malacca after successfully defeating the armies of the Malacca Sultanate. The Portuguese believed that Malacca would become an important port linking Portugal to the spice trade from China.

The fortress that we see today once consisted of long ramparts and four major towers. One was a four-storey keep, while the others held the residence of the captain, an ammunition storage room, and an officers' quarters. You could probably imagine how great and magnificent this structure was during its peak.

In 1641, the fort changed hands when the Dutch successfully drove the Portuguese out of Malacca. Upon seizing the fortress, the Dutch put their company logo, or to be more precise, the "VOC" (Verenigde Oostinidische Compagnie) coat of arms above the gates of Porta de Santiago.

When you're standing in front of the fort, you can actually see the VOC coat of arms on the shield carried by the soldier on the right of the logo.

In the early 19th century, the fortress changed hands again when the Dutch handed it over to the British to prevent it from falling into the hands of Napoleon's expansionist France.

The English were wary of maintaining the fortification and orders were give by the British Governor of Pahang to demolish it, along with the fortress at the mouth of the Malacca river in 1806.

The locals started the demolition work using their spades, picks and crowbars, which were useless against a fortress which reportedly had walls fifteen feet thick.

But before they could use gunpowder, Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, who happened to visit Malacca in 1810 stepped in and saved what tourists can see today. Thanks to him and his passion for history, this small gate was spared from destruction.

The A Famosa is truly a magnificent structure. The sense of awe that you would experience from standing beside a structure that was built almost five centuries ago and has withstood the test of time is indeed remarkable. The A Famosa is a "Must See" when you're in Malacca!

To find out how to get there, please Click here for the "Tourist Attractions" map.