- Address: Jalan Parameswara, Bandar Hilir, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia
- Phone: +60 6-552 0888
- Website: afamosa.com
- Date of founding: 1511.
- Founder: Alfonso de Albuquerque
- Working time: 24 hours
- Cost of visit: free of charge
The city of Malacca , located on the west coast of the state of Malaysia , is considered one of the largest tourist centers of the country. Thanks to the unique historical and cultural heritage left after the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule, 10 years ago the city center was included in the list of UNESCO facilities, and that's when its popularity grew many times. One of the key attractions of Malacca is the ancient fortress of A'Famos, whose features will be discussed later.
Interesting to know
Fort A'Famosa (Kota A Famosa) is considered one of the oldest surviving European architectural monuments of Southeast Asia. It was founded in 1511 by the great Portuguese navigator Afonso di Albuquerque, who thus tried to strengthen his new possessions. The name of the fortress was symbolic: in Portuguese A Famosa means "famous", and indeed - today this place is one of the most significant in Malacca, and the location is near the main tourist attractions ( Palace of the Sultans , Museum of Islamic Art , etc.). ) only adds to it the importance.
At the beginning of the XIX century. A'Famos was almost destroyed, but a fortunate coincidence prevented this. In the year when it was ordered to demolish the fortress, Sir Stamford Raffles (the founder of modern Singapore), visited Malacca. Known for his great love of history and culture, he considered it necessary to preserve the most important architectural monument of the 16th century. Unfortunately, only one of the towers with the gate - Santiago Bastion, or, as it is called in the people, "the gate to Santiago" survived from the huge fort.
Fortress structure
In the construction of the fortress of A'Famos, more than 1,500 people participated, most of whom were prisoners of war. The main materials used in the construction are very rare and do not have an equivalent in Russian, in Portuguese their names sound like "batu letrik" and "batu lada". Researchers believe that these unique rocks were taken from several small islets near Malacca. Surprisingly, this material is incredibly hardy, thanks to which the ruins of the fort and to this day are almost in its original form.
At the beginning of the XVI century. The citadel consisted of high city walls and four towers:
- 4-storeyed dungeon (non-residential narrow room, located in the center of the fortress and having important strategic and military significance);
- The residence of the captain.
- Officer's barracks.
- Storages for ammunition.
Inside the fortress walls of A'Famosa was the entire Portuguese administration, as well as 5 churches, a hospital, several markets and workshops. In the middle of the XVII century. the citadel was captured by the Dutch conquerors, as evidenced by the coat of arms of the East India Company, preserved above the arch, and the inscription "ANNO 1670" (1670) carved under it.
Another evidence of the fact that once these regions guarded the majestic fort, was discovered not so long ago, in 2006, when building a 110-meter skyscraper. So, in the process of excavation, workers came across the ruins of another tower of the fortress of A'Famos, called the Bastion of Midleburg. According to researchers, the structure was built during the reign of the Dutch. Having discovered such a valuable find, archaeologists immediately began to study it, and the construction itself was moved to another place.
How to get there?
You can get to the ruins of A'Famosa at any time, and absolutely free of charge. The only obstacle to the fort is the almost total absence of public transport in Malacca , so the best way to get to the fortress is to book a taxi or rent a car . In addition, you can ask for directions from local residents who are always happy to help tourists.