A Famosa Fort

Welcome back to the complex of A Famosa. For this secondary exploration, we are shifting our focus from the heavy masonry of the lower gatehouse to the strategic high ground that loomed over it: Bukit Melaka, now universally…

As we walk up the shaded, paved steps toward the summit, let us analyze the topography from a military perspective. Notice how steeply the ground falls away on either side. …

We have reached the summit, and before us stand the stark, roofless ruins of St. Paul’s Church. …

Standing prominently in front of the ruined church facade is a stark white marble statue of a man gazing out over the city. This is St. …

Step inside the ruins and walk toward the rear of the church, the area known as the chancel. Here, in the very center of the floor, protected by a wire mesh, is a deep, empty, open grave. …

As you turn away from the open tomb, direct your attention to the interior walls of the ruined church. Propped up vertically against the ancient laterite masonry is an incredible collection of massive granite tombstones. …

Before we begin our descent, step to the edge of the hill on the southern side, where the trees clear to reveal a sweeping panoramic view of the city and the sea. This is the exact vantage point that made this hill so militarily…

As we conclude our tour of St. Paul's Hill and begin our descent back toward the remnants of the lower fortress, let us reflect on the profound dual nature of this site. …