Portuguese Settlement - A living Musuem

Published June 21st, 2008 in Museum

One of its kind in Malaysia, a reservation for about 1000 of Portuguese Eurasians. With 28 acres of area, the land integrate own school, a square, fishing village, restaurant and now they have a hotel too. Locals call the Portuguese Eurasians as ‘Serani’. In their language its Kristang (Christian). Historian named them Luso - Malays, descendants of Portuguese came during 15th century and after the conquest of Melaka, stayed here and married with local women same as the Peranakans.

Stage at the Square, many Portuguese Cultural performance will be done here.

The settlement opened in 1930 and in 1950 its received development from the government such as electricity and water supply. The act to to make a settlement for the Portuguese Descendant made by Fr Pierre Francois and Fr Alvaro Corado by convincing the government so they can moved here and preserved their heritage and make Melaka unique. Portuguese square completed in 1980s for tourist attraction to the Portuguese heritage by offerings their cuisine.

Portuguese Restaurant, Opens at Night. Fresh seafood available.

In 2000, a mini museum was build in the settlement showing their art and culture exhibition.There are still few old folks here still speak creole language known as Papia Kristang, which use archaic Portuguese mixed with native words and expressions. Portuguese Settlement is only 3 kilometer from Melaka Town center and located at Ujong Pasir.

Souvenir shop at the settlement.