Dutch Square (Red Square)

Dutch Square, also known as Red Square, is a historic public square in Bandar Hilir, Melaka, in Melaka Tengah District, Malacca, Malaysia. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage zone, it is surrounded by distinctive red-painted Dutch colonial buildings including the Stadthuys and Christ Church Melaka. Established as the administrative centre during Dutch rule from 1641, it is notable for its preserved colonial architecture, Queen Victoria Fountain and clock tower, and its status as Melaka's most photographed heritage landmark.

Visitors can expect an open, paved public square surrounded by iconic salmon-red colonial buildings including the Stadthuys, Christ Church Melaka, Queen Victoria Fountain and Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower. The area is pedestrian-friendly with decorated trishaws, souvenir stalls and street performers. Visitors can walk around the square, photograph the architecture, view the Melaka River nearby and explore adjacent museums and churches within the compact heritage core.

Dutch Square was the administrative centre of Dutch Melaka after the Dutch captured the city from the Portuguese in 1641 and ruled until 1795, with British interregnum thereafter. Key buildings include the Stadthuys built in 1650 as the Dutch Stadthuys (Town Hall) and official residence, and Christ Church built in 1753 to commemorate the centenary of Dutch occupation. The buildings were originally whitewashed and were painted red in 1911-1912 during the British period. The square lies within the Historic City of Melaka UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2008.

The square is the focal point of Melaka's Dutch colonial heritage and a symbol of the city's layered colonial history. It serves as a cultural gathering place, photography landmark and gateway to the heritage zone, reflecting the blend of Dutch, British and local influences that define Melaka's historic townscape and tourism identity.