A’Famosa Fort (Porta de Santiago)

An abbreviated history of the fort would reveal that it was built by the Portuguese, who arrived here in 1511, defeated the local Sultanate and laid their claim to the area by building the A Famosa Fort. The area and fort fell under Dutch control around 1641 that then passed it to the British in the early 19th century to prevent it from eventually falling under the control of the French. The British ordered the fort to be destroyed in 1806, which it was with the exception of the small front gate, spared only after intervention from the founder of Singapore, Sir Samford Raffles. This is what remains of the old A Famosa Fort you can visit and see today. Walking in will take you back in time. The place has got few ruins well preserved and some stone carvings which are readable; the canons add a nice feudal touch. The place is peaceful, away from the Malacca’s noise.

Ruins and remains of a crumbling whitewashed small stone bricked structure welcome the visitor in. A part of the walls in outer portion is inscribed a note briefing the name and builders name. An old replica canon is placed at small distance from the entrance.

The inner part has a typical fort look where people enter and click photographs. This Portuguese architecture looks clean and is well maintained for preservation.

This section, right adjacent the A’Famosa Fort, offers an open view and wooden bridges were built for walking inside the ruins, which was built and supported on several boulder rocks blended together. Malaysian flags are tied on some of the corners here and there.