Architecture in Malacca
Malacca is Malaysia’s Historical City. Culturally and socially. Malacca boasts a history of port settlement and the result of some 600 years history has made Malacca a multicultural society and their presence is still very visible through the building heritage that is still standing. It is here in Malacca that one can still find buildings and monuments of historical significance where a very large number of splendid buildings and monuments demonstrating traditional Eastern and Western mixed architectural styles were built within the city wall.
Malacca has been through the ringer. Recently, it has capitalised in its illustrious history and assert itself as one of Malaysia’s tourist must see. This is all due to the fact that in the 15th century, Melaka was one of Southeast Asia’s greatest trading ports.
First were the Portuguese. Some of their original styles are remnant in today’s Malacca but most were destroyed by the Dutch, the second invaders. Located in Melaka, are the Stadthuys with its heavy wooden doors, thick red walls and wrought-iron hinges. It is a fine example of Dutch masonry and woodworking skills. Built between 1641 and 1660 it is believed to be the oldest buildings in the East.
Chinese in Malacca
In Malacca, Chinese architecture is of two broad types: traditional and Baba-Nyonya. Examples of traditional architecture include Chinese temples found throughout the country such as the Cheng Hoon Teng that dates back to 1646.
Many old houses especially those in Melaka and Penang are of Baba-Nyonya heritage, built with indoor courtyards and beautiful, colourful tiles.
Chinese and Western
A rare architectural combination of Chinese and Western elements is displayed by Melaka’s Terengkera mosque. Its pagoda-like appearance is a fine example of Chinese-influenced roof form, combined with Western detailing in its balustrades and railings.
[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”18″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails” override_thumbnail_settings=”1″ thumbnail_width=”150″ thumbnail_height=”150″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”1″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”1″ slideshow_link_text=”Slideshow” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]
Buildings in Malacca