Operating Hours: Daily: 24 Hour
Location: Banda Hilir, 75200 Malacca
Entrance Fees: Free (open-air site)
Dutch Square is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in Melaka, Malaysia, renowned for its striking red colonial buildings that reflect the city’s rich colonial past. The square stands as a testament to the periods of Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule over Melaka. In 1641, after the Dutch East India Company (VOC) seized Melaka from the Portuguese, the area began to flourish. The Dutch constructed numerous buildings here in a distinctly Dutch architectural style, characterized by steeply pitched roofs, thick walls, and louvered shutters. Key buildings include: Stadthuys (City Hall): Built in 1650, it once served as the residence of Dutch governors and officials. It is considered the oldest Dutch building in the East and now houses the History and Ethnography Museum. Christ Church: Completed in 1753, it is one of the oldest surviving Protestant churches in Malaysia. Queen Victoria Fountain: Constructed in 1901 by the British to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign. Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower: Donated by a local Chinese philanthropist in 1886. The square’s now-famous red appearance was painted during the British colonial period, becoming one of its most recognizable features and drawing tourists from around the world. Today, Dutch Square is at the heart of tourism in Melaka, offering easy access to other major attractions such as St. Paul’s Hill, A Famosa Fortress, and Jonker Street. As part of a UNESCO.
