Dutch Square & Christ Church

Malacca's red-painted colonial square: the Stadthuys, Christ Church and a clock tower.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps

Time needed: 1 hour
Entry: Free (museums paid)
Best time: Early morning or evening
Area: Old town

The famous red square from the Dutch era.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Jalan Gereja, Bandar Hilir, Melaka

On foot: In the heart of the old town, across the river from Jonker Street.
From Kuala Lumpur: About 2 hours by bus from TBS to Melaka Sentral, then a short Grab ride.
Trishaws: Decorated trishaws wait in the square.

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The story of Dutch Square

Malacca was a great trading port ruled by a sultanate, then by the Portuguese from 1511, the Dutch from 1641 and the British from 1824. The Dutch built the Stadthuys, their town hall, around 1650; it is one of the oldest Dutch buildings in Asia.

Christ Church, completed in 1753, has handmade ceiling beams cut from single trees. The buildings were later painted red, giving the square its name, "Red Square". Together with George Town, Melaka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year; drier from December to February.

Best time of day

Early morning for photos, or evening when it is cooler.

Weekends

Crowded with visitors from KL and Singapore.

Tips before you go

Go early for photos without crowds.
Climb St Paul's Hill behind the square to the church ruins and the A Famosa gate.
Visit the Stadthuys museum to learn the city's history.