Christ Church

Christ Church is an 18th-century Dutch Reformed church located in Bandar Hilir in the historic centre of Melaka City, Melaka Tengah. Built between 1741 and 1753 during Dutch rule, it is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia. Notable for its distinctive salmon-pink facade, massive timber roof beams and Dutch colonial architecture, the church stands on Jalan Gereja beside the Stadthuys within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka.

Visitors can expect a well-preserved salmon-pink church with white trim facing the Dutch Square (Red Square) in central Melaka. The exterior features Dutch colonial architecture with large windows and a tiled roof. Inside, visitors can see a simple, airy nave with handmade wooden pews, a large brass Bible, ceiling beams cut from single trees, and Dutch-era tombstones set into the floor. The surroundings include the Stadthuys, Queen Victoria Fountain and museums, with open square areas popular for photography and heritage walks.

Built between 1741 and 1753 by the Dutch to commemorate the centenary of the Dutch capture of Melaka from the Portuguese, Christ Church was constructed to replace the earlier Portuguese church. Built in Dutch colonial style with massive walls and timber beams, it was later consecrated as an Anglican church under British rule in 1838. It is recognized as the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia and forms part of the Historic City of Melaka UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2008.

Christ Church is an important symbol of Dutch heritage in Melaka and a prominent landmark of the Dutch Square. As an active Anglican church under the Diocese of West Malaysia, it continues to serve the local Christian community while representing the layered colonial history of Melaka. Its distinctive colour and setting make it a central cultural and photographic landmark for visitors exploring the heritage zone.