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Explore Dutch Square (Red Square): 10 Enchanting Reasons to Visit Melaka’s Historic Heart

Nestled within the historical heart of Melaka, Dutch Square, also known as Red Square, stands as a living testament to the city’s rich and diverse heritage. Join us on a journey through this vibrant and culturally significant square, where history, culture, and vivid architecture harmoniously converge.

The Legacy of Dutch Square

  1. Dutch Influence: Dutch Square is a nod to Melaka’s colonial past. It’s named after the Dutch who ruled the city during the 17th century. The square is a living canvas of Dutch-inspired buildings and structures.
  2. A UNESCO World Heritage Site: Dutch Square is part of the core zone of the Melaka and George Town Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its preservation is vital to understanding the region’s history.

The Iconic Windmill

  1. The Stadthuys Windmill: One of the first things that captures your attention is the iconic red windmill at the center of the square. It’s a symbolic representation of the Dutch colonial period and serves as a picturesque backdrop for photos.
  2. Photo Opportunities: Dutch Square’s vibrant buildings, red accents, and the windmill make it a favorite spot for photographers and travelers. The square’s colorful appearance, especially during the day, is a feast for the eyes.

Historical Monuments

  1. The Stadthuys: At the heart of Dutch Square, The Stadthuys, or the Red Square’s Museum, stands as an imposing and well-preserved Dutch building. It houses a museum with exhibits that shed light on Melaka’s history.
  2. Christ Church Melaka: Adjacent to The Stadthuys is the stunning Christ Church, an Anglican church built by the Dutch. Its striking red façade and beautiful interior make it a must-visit. Attend a service or explore its history.

Jonker Street Connection

  1. Jonker Street Proximity: Dutch Square is located a stone’s throw away from Jonker Street, another famous attraction in Melaka. Exploring Dutch Square and Jonker Street in one day is a perfect way to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Cultural Celebrations

  1. Festive Ambiance: Dutch Square is often the center of cultural celebrations and events. During festivals and holidays, the square comes alive with performances, food stalls, and traditional music.
  2. Chinese New Year Celebrations: The Chinese New Year is one of the best times to visit Dutch Square. The square is adorned with beautiful decorations, and traditional lion dances and cultural performances take place.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

  1. Hydration and Sun Protection: Melaka’s climate can be quite hot. Be sure to stay hydrated and apply sun protection when exploring the square.
  2. Visiting Hours: Dutch Square is open to the public throughout the day and night. However, some attractions within the square may have specific opening hours.

A Colorful Square with a Rich Heritage

Dutch Square, or Red Square, is more than just a square; it’s a living testament to Melaka’s diverse heritage. It’s a place where history, culture, and vivid architecture come together to create a colorful and culturally significant landmark.

Conclusion

Plan your visit to Dutch Square (Red Square) in Melaka and immerse yourself in the captivating history and vibrant culture that graces this iconic square. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture explorer, or someone looking for a vibrant day out, Dutch Square offers a captivating journey through the heart of historic Melaka. Explore the square, capture its vibrant essence, and embrace the rich cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Embrace the charm and history of Dutch Square in Melaka and let the vivid culture and architecture inspire your visit. – Onalulu

  1. Tripadvisor: Dutch Square is a central and historically significant location in Melaka, known for its distinctive red buildings influenced by Dutch architecture. This area is a must-visit for tourists and is conveniently located within walking distance from other attractions such as Jonker Street and St. Paul hill. It features many decorated trishaws for tourists to ride and is surrounded by restaurants, drink stations, and souvenir shops​​​​​​. You can find more detailed information and reviews on Dutch Square’s Tripadvisor page.
  2. Shellwanders: This blog post titled “9 Things You Can’t Miss at Dutch Square Melaka Malaysia” offers a personal account of visiting Dutch Square. It highlights several key attractions in the area, including Christ Church, the Queen Victoria Fountain, the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, and the Stadthuys. The post also mentions the unique street art and the opportunity to enjoy the Melaka River​​. You can read the blog post on Shellwanders’ website.
  3. Holidify: This resource provides an overview of Dutch Square, detailing its historical significance and architectural features. The Square is surrounded by iconic red buildings and houses significant landmarks like the Queen Victoria Fountain, the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, the Stadthuys, Christ Church, and the Malaysia Youth Museum and Art Gallery. The area is popular for photography and souvenir shopping​​. More information can be found on Holidify’s website.

These resources offer comprehensive insights into the historical and cultural significance of Dutch Square, making it a top destination for those visiting Melaka.

Location

Google Reviews

4.4
3,504 reviews
  • Howe
    Howe
    a month ago

    Cute small town. Keeps with the delicious street food/art theme of Malaysia but has an unique vibe compared to the other more popular tourist destinations. If you're coming through, you probably don't need more than a day to stop over.

  • Tuan Chieu
    Tuan Chieu
    2 months ago

    The square has bold Dutch-style architecture that can be seen through its large walls, louvered windows, and chunky doors with wrought-iron hinges. From a distance, Dutch Square stands out against the blue sky, with ancient red brick buildings and cool green streets. Coming here, you will definitely have extremely colorful and beautiful check-in photos

  • MOHAMMAD SHAIFULLAH
    MOHAMMAD SHAIFULLAH
    in the last week

    Dutch Square in Melaka, also known as Red Square, is a vibrant historical landmark that captivates visitors with its striking red buildings and rich colonial history. The square is home to several iconic structures, including the Stadthuys, Christ Church, and the Queen Victoria Fountain. The architecture reflects Dutch influence, making it a picturesque spot for photography. The bustling atmosphere is enhanced by colorful trishaws and street vendors selling local crafts and snacks. The square’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Melaka’s heritage sites. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to soak in the local culture, Dutch Square offers a unique glimpse into Melaka’s past and present.

  • stanle wong
    stanle wong
    a month ago

    Malacca's most iconic Dutch old red house and red church. You can take as many photos as you want. There are also many stalls selling souvenirs and sightseeing tricycles to ride. I didn't go in to visit because I was just passing by.

  • Meng Fai Yip
    Meng Fai Yip
    a week ago

    The highlights at Dutch Square included (1) Stadthuys, (2) Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, (3) Queen Victoria's Fountain, (4) Christ Church Melaka, and (5) a captured German Trench Mortar. After you are done exploring Dutch Square, you can consider walking along the river from Tan Kim Seng Bridge all the way to Old Bus Station Bridge. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the river! Do also check out (1) Church of St Francis Xavier; (2) Bastion Victoria; (3) Trash & Treasure @ Discovery; (4) Cendol Kampung Hulu, and (5) Restaurant Baba Kaya along the way. If you are fortunate, you may even see a monitor lizard swimming in the river. It's best to do all of these in the morning. Do note though that Cendol Kampung Hulu is closed in the morning. If Christ Church Melaka is still closed when you are there, you can always route back to explore the interior of the church after you have done your river walk.

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