A Famosa (Malay: Kota A Famosa; "The Famous" in Portuguese, also known as Fortaleza Velha Portuguese: the old fortress, and Dutch: Slavenburgh (slave castle) & De Misericorde (Our Lady of Mercy, from French: Notre Dame de Miséricorde) was a Portuguese fortress built in Malacca, Malaysia, in 1512. The oldest part of the fortress was a five-storey keep which gave its name to the fortress as a whole. Some time following the Battle of Malacca (1641) and the occupation of the city by the Dutch, the keep was destroyed but the outer walls of the fortress were reinforced. However, in 1807 the British destroyed most of the fortress. The Porta de Santiago gateway, and the restored Middelburg Bastion, are the only parts of the fortress that remain today. They are among the oldest European architectural remains in Southeast Asia and the Far East.
In 1511, a Portuguese fleet arrived under the command of Afonso de Albuquerque. His forces attacked and defeated the armies of the Malacca Sultanate. Moving quickly to consolidate his gains, Albuquerque had the fortress built around a natural hill near the sea. Albuquerque believed that Malacca would become an important port linking Portugal to the Spice Route in China. At this time other Portuguese were establishing outposts in such places as Macau, China and Goa, India to create a string of friendly ports for ships heading to Ming China and returning home to Portugal.
Andrew Lambert | Feb 18, 2018
Such a good visual marker of a monumental history. A good way to put the Portugese and Dutch efforts into context in modern day Malacca. A more detailed display would be better, but a little reading will fill you in. Well looked after gardens surrounding the remains of the gate.
Aradhana Mozumdar | Jan 24, 2018
Our visit to this place turned out to be very romantic due to the drizzle that started just after we reached. It looked beautiful with the rain and the greenery surrounding us. This small patch of ruins is basically conserved for tourist purpose. Good place for all your Insta pics. Make sure you also visit the St Paul's church at the top of the hill which is just a small hike away. BE prepared to see couples on their pre-wedding shoots, like we did.
James Moore | Jan 20, 2018
Didn’t spend too much time here but what was saw was very nice. Lots of history. Breeze at top of hill very refreshing. Good for a quick stop I think. Beware a few beggars tho
Kaidou 2nd | Feb 4, 2018
Very cool place to visit. The scenery is out of the world. But really wish they increase the attractions. But if its your first time, then go ahead!
lau thiam | Feb 3, 2018
A very nice place to visit. I see quite a number of Don't Mess With Malaka and No Smoking signs. However, l was sad to see some locals as well as many tourists disregard the No smoking signs. I suggest that more enforcement is initiated so put this smokers to book and live the Don't Mess with Melaka signs and make Malaka smoke free. My two cents.
MG Hinlayagan | Apr 3, 2018
Historical place at the foot of St. Paul hill. Beside the garden and the sultan museum entrance. Built by the Portuguese. This landmark is on of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in the whole Asia. Worth to visit.
ky low | Apr 7, 2018
A lot of museums in surrounding area unfortunately not being looked after like so many places in Malaysia. It's a shame really... We want to feel proud of our history and culture rather than embarrassed by their dilapidations.
Dionisius Hendro Putra Palandi | Mar 21, 2018
One of the famous landmarks in Malacca, I don't really know the story behind it (not a history kind of guy), but not far from here you can find food and fresh coconut tenants to enjoy the afternoon.
Justin Yeo | Apr 25, 2018
A historical place. Briefly walk around. By itself nothing much, so you have to explore its surroundings and go up to hill behind. Evening will be a better time to visit, with sunset backgrounds and it's cooler. Pictures also looks better. Patience is required for distraction free photo sessions though.
Edwina Engelmann | Apr 24, 2018
I have been here exactly 10 years ago and came back to see what Melaka is like. So much changed over the last couple years. But I guess the Fort Famosa is still the same. :) It's a nice view from up here and you can hang out at the park and enjoy a cold drink. Make sure you visit the Museum. It's amazing.
Norsyahidah Manaf | Apr 21, 2018
Interesting. Nice place and view. If u love something about historical and unic, u can come and feel it. I love it. There are museums in the surrounding area to visit too.
John Chin | Apr 27, 2018
A famous a worth visit. Tell the historical of malacca. A lot of walking. Got a guide to guide you is even better. Quite a large place with the church and the old shoplots are all being maintain.
Stanley Ph | May 28, 2018
A beautiful place which you must definitely visit if you are in Malacca. This is one of the textbook historical fort places of Malacca, which was constructed many years ago when Malacca was still undeveloped. At present as it is, it is still an iconic fort structure, and a good site for taking selfies!
Tash Teasdale | May 25, 2018
Really enjoyed checking this out. It's really informative if you take the time to read up on the history. Great photo opportunities and views and its free!!Would recommend to all!☺
Din Sha | Jun 19, 2018
Nice place for sightseeing and also lots of tourism attraction to be discover and visit. The best thing is, that you will learn about the history of Malaysia, that is started from Melaka. How it got it's name and how was it founded and all the process throughout the history. And also much more. Simply call sightseeing while learning about history. Also a photo of me and my wife with the backgrkund of the fountain beside the Red Building A'Famosa and also the Ship that has history regarding transporting gold and how it is sunk in the ocean.
Marcus Goh | Jun 12, 2018
Remains of Old Fort with few centuries history. Authentic with not much touching up, can sense the history as time shift through hundreds of years to current state. Nothing much to spend too much time but definitely a place worth pass by. Good time to get away from heat and crowd are early morning.
Edgaras M. | Jul 5, 2018
I like this place it has some nice flair. I was there at evening time to take some pictures and enjoy the area. You can walk around there and everything is free (I guess). I walked by daytime but it wasn't so nice as at night because it was full of people.
Lim Tommy | Jun 28, 2018
This is a place where lots of people will comes to visit especially weekends and holiday. It is a historical day where Portuguese was having war. There is a statue on top the hill that his hand striked by lightning. People will also exercise/jogging over the hill and staircase. It is a very nice and recommended place to come to visit.
Lydia Choo | Jul 15, 2018
Accessible from a hotel of Melaka. Can stay there for only 2 days and 1 night with 2-hour walk of the morning entry at A Famosa. First time there for 3 Singaporeans. Big tree trunks.
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