Church of Saint Paul, Malacca

The Church of Saint Paul stands as a testament to the rich colonial history of Malacca, Malaysia. Perched on the summit of St. Paul's Hill, this aged yet majestic structure was originally built by the Portuguese in 1521, making it one of the oldest church buildings in Southeast Asia. It was initially named the "Our Lady of the Hill," but was later turned into a burial ground for the Dutch and renamed St. Paul's Church after the Dutch took over Malacca.

Although now in ruins, the Church of Saint Paul echoes tales of the past with its weathered tombstones and the remains of its once-grand architecture. The site holds the remnants of St. Francis Xavier's long residence in Malacca, and it was here that his body was temporarily interred before being transferred to Goa in India.

Visitors to the Church of Saint Paul can still see the ancient, open grave where St. Francis Xavier was buried, and the statue erected in 1952 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of his internment. The church's walls, though stripped of the roof and much of the interior, still stand tall, featuring an old watchtower that was used during the Dutch occupation.

The site offers a panoramic view of Malacca, with the strategic location that once served as a beacon for ships sailing through the Strait of Malacca. Today, the hill is a favorite spot for photographers and tourists who come to capture the essence of Malacca's history and enjoy the scenic vistas.