St. Paul Hill & Church

Operating Hours: Daily: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Location: 1935, Jalan Kota, Banda Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia

Entrance Fees: Free (open-air site)

St. Paul’s Hill & Church is one of Melaka’s most iconic historical landmarks, offering visitors a scenic viewpoint and a deep dive into the city’s colonial past. Originally built in 1521 by a Portuguese nobleman as a small chapel known as “Our Lady of the Hill,” it was later expanded and renamed St. Paul’s Church. The hill and church played a key role during the Portuguese, Dutch, and British occupations of Melaka, serving at various times as a place of worship, a burial ground, and a military fortification. Today, although the church stands in ruins, its crumbling stone walls, tombstones, and open roof provide a solemn yet beautiful atmosphere steeped in history. Located just above A’Famosa’s Porta de Santiago, the site offers panoramic views of the Melaka cityscape and coastline. Entry is free, and the site is easily accessible on foot from central Melaka. It remains a must-visit spot for history enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone wanting to experience the layered colonial heritage of Malaysia.