Porta de Santiago

The Hallmark of Melaka, Malaysia.

Porta de Santiago is the hallmark of Melaka and one of tourist attraction places in Melaka Historical Fun List.

It is also known as “A Famosa” or the famous among the Portuguese. This fort is among the oldest surviving European architecture remains in Asia.

The History and Background of Fort Santiago

The Hallmark of Melaka: A Famosa

The Portuguese constructed a fort (A Famosa) after capturing Melaka from the Sultan of Melaka in 1511 to secure their position. This mighty sprawling fortification was built under Alfonso d’Albuquerque’s command.

It was recorded that many Portuguese and slaves were falling sick and dying in the process of building the mighty fort. It took them five months to complete the basic fort. The Portuguese used laterite stones, mortar and stones from royal mausoleum and mosque as the building materials.

Thereafter, more was added to the fort by the Portuguese to protect and thwart attacks by the armies of the Sultan of Melaka and the Achenese. It was recorded that by 1583, Melaka was a city walled up from the sea front and all around the St. Paul’s Hills. There were at least four watchtowers and gates as well as various government buildings, residences and churches within the large fortress.

According to the historical record, Porta de Santiago is one of the five bastions built by the Portuguese. This pentagon shaped fortification stood 20ft high with 8ft thick walls embracing the grounds of St. Paul’s Hill and the city.

The Rise and Fall of Fort Santiago

The mighty fort changed hands in 1641 when the Dutch wrestled Melaka from the Portuguese. The Dutch destroyed most of the Portuguese buildings except for the St. Paul’s Church and the “A Famosa” fortress. The fortress was badly damaged and the Dutch renovated the gate in 1670.

What’s the proof?

The inscribed words on the gate arch.

Just look up at the Porta de Santiago entrance! You could see “ANNO 1670” inscribed on the gate arch. Above the arch is a bas relief logo of the Dutch East India Company and monogram, “VOC”. It stands for “Vereenigde Oost India Companies” or “Pioneer & Servant of Holland in the East.”

The fall or the destruction of this mighty fortress happened when the British took over in 1795. The English were wary of maintaining the fortification. They fear that the Dutch might use it against British interests in the straits of Melaka when the French occupation of Holland ended.

In 1806, Captain William Farquhar with the agreement of London decided to demolish the fortifications, abandon the state and shift the people to Penang. They also hoped that with the demolition of the fortress it would be easier for them to “recapture” the state if it fell in the hands of the enemies.

This action clearly shows the Porta de Santiago’s reputation as a formidable and mighty fortress.

The Fort Santiago’s Saviours

View of the tiny gate from St. Paul's Hill.

Porta de Santiago gate which still stands today would have been grounded flat to the ground, erasing any traces of Portuguese fortification and its remnants.

The timely intervention from Lord Minto and Sir Stamford Raffles who stopped the total demolition of this mighty fortress. However, only the tiny gate can be seen today.

This relic is a must visit place in Melaka Historical Fun Places as it remind the world of Portugal’s 130-year long occupation.

You could even use your imagination to picture how Melaka looks like as a gated walled city by standing in front of this eight feet thick Melaka’s Hallmark.

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