A Famosa Fort
A Famosa Fort is a historic landmark in Melaka. It was built by the Portuguese to overlook the river, and was critical for them to maintain their colonial foothold in the Far East.
A Famosa Fort is among the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Southeast Asia. Within the fort walls were housing, food stores, a castle, a meeting room for the Portuguese Council, and five churches. A 7-month attack by the Dutch just about destroyed the entire fortress, leaving only the entrance facade and the structure of a church at the hilltop.
Location
A Famosa Fort is is 0.2 kilometres away from Jalan Merdeka and Jalan Parameswara, which are two of the main streets in Melaka. The fort also is located within walking distance of Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, a popular shopping mall in Melaka town.
Opening Days and Hours
The A Famosa Fort is open 24 hours daily.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance to the A Famosa Fort is free.
How to Get There
You can go there by taking a taxi or Town Bus 17, which stops at Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall and is just a short walk to A Famosa Fort.
Suggested For
The place is suggested for couples, families, group of friends, solo travelers, and backpackers interested in history and culture.
Time to Spend
Spend about 30 to 60 minutes exploring the remains of this once magnificent fortress.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the fort is after 17:00. The scenery on top of the hill is especially beautiful during sunset.
Food
There are some local residents selling snacks near the entrance to the fort.
Safety and Fraud
Tourists are advised to keep an eye on their belongings and be cautious as pick-pockets have been known to be active in the area especially when it gets crowded.
Nearby Attractions
- Menara Taming Sari – 450 metres
- Christ Church – 450 metres
- Melaka River – 500 metres
- The Stadthuys – 500 metres
- Church of St Francis Xavier – 550 metres
- Jonker Street – 600 metres
- Hard Rock Café Melaka – 600 metres
- Baba And Nyonya Heritage Museum – 850 metres
- Masjid Kampung Kling – 900 metres
Stay
There are a number of hotels and guest houses nearby the area, from backpacker accommodations to luxury boutique hotels. Additionally, there are also a number of homestays located on nearby Jonker Street, the area’s main attraction and within walking distance.
Good to Know
You can take the free walking tour at the Tourist Information Centre for a an engaging explanation of the site and its history. It is also recommended to bring an umbrella and a bottle of water as the temperature can sometimes get very high in the tropical heat.
