St. Peter's Church, Malacca

St. Peter's Church is a white-painted building in Malacca, Malaysia, featuring colonial Dutch Baroque architecture that blends European and eastern design elements. The structure includes bell towers and contains a cemetery with historical gravestones from the past three centuries.

The church was built in 1710 on land donated by a Dutch convert, emerging after decades when the Portuguese community faced persecution during Dutch colonial rule. It was reconstructed and expanded over time to serve the growing congregation.

The church has served as a spiritual home for the Portuguese community in the region for hundreds of years. Visitors can feel how the space holds deep meaning for families who have worshipped here across many generations.

The building is open to visitors throughout most of the week, though religious services happen at specific times. It is best to check when services are not taking place so you can view the cemetery and interior without interruption.

The church houses a bell cast in Goa in 1608, salvaged from an earlier church structure that was destroyed during Dutch occupation. This bell is one of the oldest objects on the site and a rare reminder of the early colonial period.