Not far from Malacca Museum Complex which comprises of A Famosa ruins, the Stadhuys and other historical buildings, there stood a historic church building in Melaka by the name of St. Paul’s Church.
We walked from the Stadhuys to St. Paul Hill along the walkways from which one could enjoy aerial view of Melaka historic town and nearby buildings.
Here’s Audrey and Matthieu enjoying the view and catching up their breathing.
The History of St. Paul’s Church
Originally, St. Paul’s church was a simple chapel built in 1521 dedicated to the Virgin Mary also known as Lady of Grace and Lady of Hill. The chapel was given by way of deed to the Society of Jesus by the Bishop of Goa, João Afonso de Albuquerque, with the title deeds received by St. Francis Xavier.
During Dutch and British colonial, the church was left deteriorated.
St. Paul’s Church & St. Francis Xavier
One name has always been associated with St. Paul’s Church, he was none other than St. Francis Xavier. In 1548, he established a school in the premises of the chapel known as St. Paul’s College with the help of his fellow Jesuits. Fond of Melaka, St. Francis Xavier used the church as his base for his missionary journeys to China and Japan. He felt sick and died in China. He was temporarily buried at St. Paul’s church before it was shipped to Goa as final resting place.
Monument of St. Francis Xavier.
These days, St. Paul’s Church is one of the tourist attractions in Melaka. I was told by “duta kecil Melaka”, some came to St. Paul just to see the open grave in the church where Xavier was put to rest centuries ago. When you enter the ruins of St. Paul’s Church, you will find yourself walking in between the old tombstones which had been affixed to the walls. I don’t know why but I have this growing habit of reading whatever written on tombstones, as if, it serves as the window for which I could get to know the deceased.
Some believers throw in the coins into the open grave, I am not sure about wishes coming true though.
Despite the little spookiness inside the church, there were small windows around the church. You could peep through and see Melaka city from that small window. At the compound of the church, artsy souvenirs were on sold.
Don’t forget a bottle of water, Melaka is famous for its unbearable heat. Don’t risk dehydration.