Church of Saint Paul

The roofless Church of Saint Paul stands on St. Paul’s Hill in Melaka, with views over the city and the Straits of Malacca. Built by the Portuguese in 1521, it is among Southeast Asia’s oldest church buildings. Walk through the remaining walls, look at the inscriptions and old tombstones, and pause at the statue of St. Francis Xavier. The climb and exposed hilltop can be hot, so an early or late visit is more comfortable. Take time to read the stones quietly and respectfully.

A Portuguese church on St. Paul’s Hill

The church was built in 1521 by the Portuguese and was originally called Nossa Senhora da Annunciada, or Our Lady of the Annunciation. The ruins stand on the summit of St. Paul’s Hill, on a site described as the location of the last Malaccan sultan’s palace. A Portuguese nobleman, Duarte Coelho, built the church in gratitude to the Virgin Mary after surviving a storm at sea.

The building was enlarged in 1556 after it was handed to the Jesuits. When the Dutch took control of Melaka in the 17th century, they renamed it St. Paul’s Church. The roof is gone, but the remaining walls preserve the outline of the old church.

Tombstones, inscriptions and hilltop views

Inside the roofless structure, tombstones and inscriptions line the walls. Take time to read them: the stones preserve details of people who lived and died in Melaka centuries ago. The statue of St. Francis Xavier stands near the church, and the hilltop opens onto views of the city and the Straits of Malacca.

The walk up the hill includes stairs and can feel strenuous in the heat. There is little shade and few places to sit along the way, so carry water and protect yourself from the sun. An early morning or late afternoon visit makes the climb more comfortable. The ruins are a short stop for some, but allow 30 to 60 minutes if you want to explore the inscriptions and take in the views.