Church of Saint Paul

Statue of St. Francis Xavier in Front of the Church of St. Paul

Statue of St. Francis Xavier in Front of the Church of St. Paul

Bukit St. Paul is one of the highest points of Melaka, it commands a great view of the Melaka Straits and of the town of Melaka itself. Naturally, these high vantage points are coveted by those in power, either symbolically or realistically. The high elevation allow defenders to see incoming aggressors and at the same time be able to alert the townsfolk. Symbolically, if you are at a high elevation, usually so is your status. In this case, the top of the hill are the ruins of a church for whom the hill was named after.

Close Up of One of the Tomb Stones at the Church of Saint Paul

Close Up of One of the Tomb Stones at the Church of Saint Paul

The Church of Saint Paul was known as the Nosa Senhora during the time of the Portuguese, then as Our Lady of the Hill, and finally was the Church of Saint Paul during the Dutch occupation. The church is quite old as it was constructed in 1521, however it fell into disrepair with the construction of Christ Church below by the Dutch. The great Catholic missionary St. Francis Xavier’s remains were temporarily interred here. Additionally, there is white statue of St. Francis Xavier in front of the church. Unfortunately, the right hand of the statue is missing.

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