A Famosa, Portuguese fortress in Malacca, Malaysia.
The stone fortress extends across a strategic position near the sea, featuring thick defensive walls and the preserved Porta de Santiago gate entrance.
Portuguese admiral Afonso de Albuquerque ordered the construction of this military stronghold in 1511 following the defeat of the Sultan of Malacca.
The fortress structure combines Portuguese military engineering with local construction materials, displaying the first European architectural influence in Southeast Asia.
Visitors can access the fortress grounds through the main gate entrance, located at the base of St Paul's Hill in central Malacca.
The fortress walls, measuring 2.4 meters in thickness, contained seventy cannons positioned strategically to defend against naval attacks in the Strait of Malacca.
Location: Malacca
Inception: 1511
Part of: Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
GPS coordinates: 2.19162,102.25031
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:28
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