The most beautiful religious buildings Malacca (Melaka)

Built around 1646, this Buddhist temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia. Also known as the "Temple of the Green Cloud", it is a place where Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are equally practiced. Built according to the principles of feng shui, its architecture is strongly inspired by that of southern China. You'll discover fine porcelain sculptures of golden dragons and phoenixes, murals depicting the history of ancient China and engravings of mythological creatures.

Built in 1781 on land donated by the Dutch, this temple is one of the first Hindu temples built in Malaysia. It is dedicated to the divinity Vinayagar, better known as Ganesh, the elephant-headed god. There is also an altar dedicated to Muruga, Ganesh's younger brother, much revered by the Tamil Nadu Indians. Note the Dutch influence in the architecture, including the entrance, walls and roof, which make this Hindu temple a unique example.

Standing on stilts, the magnificent Strait of Malacca Mosque is one of the few mosques in the world to have been built directly on water. It was inaugurated on November 24, 2006 by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the supreme ruler of Malaysia. At the time, he was Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, King of Perlis. The mosque's highly original design blends Middle Eastern and Malay architectural elements, modern and ancient. At high tide, it seems to float on the water, offering a superb spectacle.

With its red bricks, large white cross at the top and multitude of multicolored trishaws waiting for the tourist right in front, you can't miss this pretty Dutch-inspired church. The foundation stone was laid in 1741 to commemorate the centenary of the capture of Malacca by the Dutch and to replace the aging St. Paul's Church. Construction took 12 years and the church was consecrated in 1753, making it the first Reformed church in the city. In 1838, the church was rededicated according to the rites of the Anglican Church and renamed Christ Church. It is the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia, and Sunday services are still held here in three languages. Mass in English takes place at 8.30am, in Mandarin at 10.30am and a final mass in Malay at 4.30pm. Visits to the church are forbidden during services.

Access to the church is via the side and adjoining store. The bare interior can seem a little austere. The central aisle is lined with ancient tombstones, recounting a part of Malacca's history. Some tombs bear inscriptions in Armenian, Portuguese, English and Dutch. Modern stained glass adorns the windows. Note the lovely solid-wood benches with wicker seats.

The church bell predates construction and must have been salvaged from another building, as no one knows where it came from. But it is dated 1698. The treasure cannot be visited.

Don't be put off by the steep steps to the top of Bukit St Paul. The view of the city from the peak is superb. The church was originally a chapel built in 1521 by a Portuguese captain. It was enlarged in 1556 and named Church of the Mother of God(Igreja de Madre de Deus). St. Francis Xavier was a regular visitor, and is said to have performed several miracles here. All that remains today are the walls, pierced by windows, and the tombstones that paved the nave are now leaning against the walls.

Built in 1748, this mosque is striking for its unique architectural blend of different influences. The minaret is inspired by Hindu temples, the ceramic tiles are British and Portuguese, Corinthian columns and arches cohabit with Malay, Chinese and Hindu decorative elements. The street on which it stands is also known as Harmony Street, due to the presence of a Hindu temple and a Buddhist temple.

Dating back to 1728, this mosque, the oldest in Malacca, is still in use. It was built on the initiative of a Malay representative to the Dutch government, taking advantage of a new policy in favor of religious pluralism introduced by the colonists. Largely inspired by the Javanese architectural style, it also features Chinese ornaments and decorative elements such as floor tiles and a ceramic roof.