Monuments to visit Kuching

Completed in 1879, at the same time as Fort Margherita, the Tour Carrée was originally a prison. Executions of those condemned to death were held here. The tower was transformed into a fort, and in the absence of vindictive enemies, it became a ballroom for Sarawak army officers. Today, the building facing the Sarawak River and the regional parliament is a restaurant, Le Magenta. Next door, you'll discover where the Rajahs disembarked when they crossed the river on their way from the palace to the court of justice.

This superb complex of colonial-style buildings was initiated by Charles Brooke in 1868. He wanted to provide better conditions for the members of his central administration. The building was in operation for over a century, from 1871 to 1973. The clock tower was added in 1883 and the memorial to Charles Brooke, which stands in front of the building's entrance, in 1924. The memorial was requested by the son of the second white Rajah, who ruled Sarawak from 1868 to 1917. Today, the complex is a tourist attraction.