The church was converted into a gunpowder store by the Dutch after they captured Malacca in 1641.
The statue of St. Francis Xavier was consecrated in 1952, exactly 400 years after his burial at the site.
Legend states that when St. Francis Xavier's body was exhumed, his arm was severed and sent to the Vatican, which locals link to the statue losing its arm.
The floor of the church is lined with tombstones dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily inscribed with Dutch names.
It is the oldest church building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
St. Paul's Church is a roofless 16th-century ruin situated atop St. Paul's Hill in the historical center of Malacca. Originally built by Portuguese captain Duarte Coelho in 1521 as a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was later expanded and renamed by the Jesuits. The structure served as a burial ground for Dutch and Portuguese nobility during the colonial occupation, evidenced by numerous tombstones embedded in the stone walls and floor. In 1552, the remains of St. Francis Xavier were interred here for nine months before being exhumed and transported to Goa. The roof was destroyed during the British occupation in the 19th century, leaving only the brick shell remaining. A prominent white statue of St. Francis Xavier stands in front of the ruins, missing its right forearm, which was severed by a falling tree branch shortly after the statue's consecration in 1952. The site offers panoramic views of the Malacca Straits and the city skyline. Archaeological excavations have occasionally been conducted at the site to preserve the colonial-era artifacts. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site within the Malacca historic zone.
The central archway framing the statue of St. Francis Xavier with the city background.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense tropical midday heat on the hilltop.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip as the paths leading up the hill can be uneven.
Bring a portable fan or cooling towel, as there is no shade inside the roofless structure.
Do not climb or lean on the fragile stone walls or the centuries-old tombstones.
Respect the tombstones and do not sit or stand on historical markers; maintain a quiet demeanor.
