Stadthuys

The Stadthuys, pronounced as 'Stad-Haus' which means town hall, is one of the most prominent landmarks in the historical center of Melaka. It is believed to be the oldest colonial structure in Southeast Asia, being of Dutch design and established since 1641. It was used by the Dutch forces as an administrative center until the British took it over in 1824. From outside, the building may look small but it really is a expansive structure, with many more blocks and wings at the back, including museums dedicated to history, ethnography, literature and Admiral Cheng Ho. The elegant colonial design of its architeture, windows and walls provide a pleasant backdrop to the center of Malacca Town.

The courtyard facing the building is known as the Duthc or Red Square, in reference to the bright salmon pink facade of the Stadhuys and surrounding structures. Originally, the bricks weren't coloured at all but the British bleached it before deciding to cast it in a reddish hue. Add to that a further maroon coating from the Malaysian authorities done more recently and you have its current appearance today. Here, you can also find within the direct vicinity the Queen Victoria Fountain, Malacca Clocktower and Christ Church which makes it an important tourist landmark. Consequently, trishaw riders are congregated here in large numbers to ferry visitors around the historical parts of town.