  St Paul's Hill, Malacca
St Paul's Hill is the hill on which the ruined St Paul's Church is located. This hill forms the most central part of Malacca throughout its existence. It has also undergone several names in its long history. During the Sultanate period, it was known as Bukit Melaka. When Parameswara established his settlement, it is believed that he built his "palace" at the foot of the hill, facing the Malacca River. When the position was elevated to that of sultan, the official residence of the ruler was transferred to to hill top, and the hill itself became a prohibited area, or bukit larangan, similar to Fort Canning in Singapore.
During the Portuguese, it became known as Monti Ali Maria. It was under the Dutch that the hill got its present name of St Paul's Hill. During the British administration, it became known as Flag Hill, but the name did not catch on, and eventually it reverted to the name St Paul's Hill.
Steps going up St Paul's Hill (1 May 2009)
© Timothy Tye using this photo using this photo
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