Malacca facts for kids
Malacca (also called Melaka in Malay) is a special state in Malaysia. It's located on the southern part of the Malay Peninsula. To its south, you'll find the famous Strait of Malacca, which is a very busy shipping route. The main city and capital of Malacca is Malacca City.
Malacca is known for its rich history and unique culture. It has been an important trading hub for centuries, attracting people from all over the world. This mix of cultures has made Malacca a fascinating place to visit and learn about.
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What Makes Malacca Special?
Malacca is famous for its long and exciting history. It was once a powerful sultanate, a kingdom ruled by a sultan. Later, it was taken over by different European powers, like the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Each group left its mark on the city, which you can still see today in the buildings and traditions.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Because of its amazing history, Malacca City is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This means it's considered very important for everyone in the world to protect and enjoy. When you walk through its old streets, you can feel like you've stepped back in time!
Exploring Malacca's History
Malacca has many historical sites that tell stories of its past.
Ancient Forts and Churches
You can visit the ruins of St Paul's Church, which was first built way back in 1521. It's one of the oldest churches in Southeast Asia. Nearby, you'll find parts of the Fortress of Malacca, also known as A Famosa. This old fort was built by the Portuguese. The Christ Church is another beautiful old building, built by the Dutch.
Palaces and Settlements
The Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum is a modern building that looks like the old palace of the Malacca Sultanate. It helps you imagine what life was like for the sultans. You can also visit the Portuguese Settlement, where descendants of the early Portuguese settlers still live and keep their traditions alive.
Malacca Today
Today, Malacca is a lively state that mixes its ancient past with modern life.
Busy Rivers and Streets
The Malacca River flows through the city. You can take a boat ride to see many sights along its banks. The famous Jonker Walk is a street full of shops, cafes, and markets, especially busy at night. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs and try local food.
Modern Developments
Malacca also has modern facilities. There's the Melaka International Trade Centre and industrial areas like Serkam. The state has good transportation, including the Malacca International Airport. You might even see elaborately decorated rickshaws, which are a fun way to get around the city!
Images for kids
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Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum, a modern reconstruction of the palace of the Malacca Sultanate.
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Mao Kun map, from Wubei Zhi, which comes from the early 15th century maps of Zheng He's navigators and cartographers, showing Malacca (滿剌加) near the top left.
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Map of Malacca 1602
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1630 map of the Portuguese fort and the city of Malacca
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The construction of the Bastion Middelburg was carried out in 1660 under the Dutch colonization of Malacca, it is strategically located at the mouth of Malacca River
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Dutch Malacca, c. 1750
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Malacca River 1907, Church of St. Francis Xavier in the background
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Malacca River
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Serkam industrial area
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Melaka International Trade Centre
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Malacca State Mosque
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Portuguese Settlement (Saint John's Village)
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Melaka International Motorsport Circuit
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Ayer Keroh National High School
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Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka
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Malacca Public Library Corporation main library at Bukit Baru.
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Tanjung Kling Power Station
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Durian Tunggal Reservoir
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Ruins of St Paul's Church first built in 1521, the oldest church in Southeast Asia
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Christ Church
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Fortress of Malacca
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Jonker Walk
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Malacca Chinese Mosque
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Coastal side of Malacca
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Macau Gallery Malacca
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Casa Cuba
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Malacca International Airport
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Elaborately decorated rickshaws are available in Malacca
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See also
In Spanish: Malaca para niños
