What do you know about Melaka? When we talk about Melaka, what is in your mind? Of course the history and heritage. Melaka known as the historical city and I proud to be the Melaka people, also my loving country Malaysia. The famous landmark in Melaka is the remnants of the A Famosa fortress, which is known as the Porta de Santiago. The construction of the A Famosa fort was said to be the brainchild of Alfonso de Albuquerque as a bid to consolidate and strengthen Portuguese position in Melaka after they put an end to the Melaka Malay Sultanate’s rule. Realising Melaka’s strategic location, a fortress was erected around the St. Paul’s Hill. Hundreds of slaves and inmates were forced to work on building this concrete structure. It had a strong foundation and thick walls, and used boulders taken from the ruins of palaces, mosques and tombstones. Equipped with cannons, the fort with its four gates was once an object of fear and respect among the people of this city.
A Famosa was later expanded to include the surrounding hills and nearby European settlements. The surrounding area today includes Jalan Kota, Jalan Gereja, Jalan Mahkamah and Jalan Istana. In fact, the Portuguese had turned this fort into a Christian city, with brick buildings that included five churches, chapels, a monastery, a hospital, the governor’s and bishop’s places, and a castle.
However, the fortress did not deter the Dutch from attacking Melaka in the 17th century. With cooperation from the locals and Johor Malays, numerous attacks were launched against the Portuguese before the Dutch finally seized Melaka. The A Famosa fort, which was damaged during these attacks, were repaired while the Porta de Santiago, which is the fort’s main gate, was given a new emblem of the Dutch East India Company and re-dated 1670. Both the emblem and date can be seen until today. The fort was once again destroyed when the British attacked the Dutch in the early 19th century. Following their conquest of Melaka, the British soldiers went on to destroy the remaining portion of the fort’s wall until they were stopped by Sir Stamford Raffles. However, Raffles’ intervention only managed to save the Porto de Santiago, the only part of the once magnificent fortress which remains until today.
That is the story behind this Porta de Santiago. If you come to Melaka, dont forget to take a picture there. This fortress located at the most famous tourist attraction in Melaka, Banda Hilir. Only 20 minutes from the Ayer Keroh Toll and you will see this fortress. Be there and I’m sure you will never forget, the sweetness memorable in Melaka. See ya!!!!
— asmaliana
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