- Location: Jalan Raja, City Center, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The capital of Malaysia is visited by more than 20 million tourists a year. Almost every one of them, especially the one who came to Kuala Lumpur for the first time, considers it his duty to visit the Independence Square. This place is sacred for Malaysians, since it was here on August 31, 1957, that the country was declared independent of the British crown.
The legacy of the colonialists
Today Kuala Lumpur appears before us in the form of a developed metropolis, with an excellent network of public transport , comfortable living conditions and a mass of modern buildings. What are the only known for the world twin towers Petronas ! But those who are looking for a part of history and the colonial heritage in the external appearance of the capital, first of all, should go to the Independence Square.
This landmark is located in the central area of the city, almost adjacent to the north-eastern part of Chinatown . For the most part, the territory of the square is occupied by a huge green field, where all official events are held. But it is only necessary to look around, as the eye immediately clings to a number of buildings that stand out from the others.
Department of Information, Main Post Office and City Council - these three buildings are a legacy of the colonial past of Malaysia. The architectural traditions of Great Britain blend harmoniously with the Moorish style, and today the eyes of the passers-by delight with their pretentiousness and unusualness.
The modern appearance of Independence Square
The Independence Square, which is also the square of Merdek, boasts not only colonial buildings. Here, the tourist can see the Palace of Sultan Abdul-Samad, which now houses the Supreme Court of Malaysia, as well as the Textile Museum and the Historical Museum .
The western side of the square is occupied by the former English club Royal Selangor Club, where once entertained representative Malaysians, educated in the UK. And in the late 90's. XX here would be built underground shopping complex Plaza Dataran Merdeka, in which, in addition to shops, you can find more and more other entertainment.
As a result, it should be noted that in the Kuala Lumpur city tour , the Merdeka square deserves a place of compulsory attendance.
How to get to the Independence Square?
The quickest and cheapest way to get to the Merdeka Square is by metro LRT Rail. You need to go to the station Masjid Jamek. It is located at the intersection of two lines Ampang and Kelana Jaya, which is very convenient. In addition, a 10-minute walk from Independence Square there is a subway station Kuala Lumpur.