Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
The Cheng Hoon Teng temple is a Buddhist temple in Jalan Tokong, Malacca, Malaysia. It is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia.
The richly decorated Cheng Hoon Teng temple covers an area of 4,600 square metres. Built in 1645 by Kapitan Lee Wei King with building materials imported from China, Cheng Hoon Teng served as the main place of worship for the local Hoklo (Hokkien) community. The main hall was built by Kapitan Chan Ki Lock in 1704 and was rebuilt in 1801 by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong, who contributed to the aesthetic and magnificent structural additions of the building.
The building conforms to the principles of feng shui. The complex is laid out to ensure a view of the river and high ground on either side.
The Fort of St. John on Senjuang Hill was built by the Dutch in 1760 to defend Melaka against the southern approach over land, the fort was once a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. During that era, the Malays were trying to retake the city. The fort's cannons pointed to the interior, although there were a few cannons that were pointed towards the sea.
Standing exactly as it has always been since 1753, the church is testimony to Dutch's architectural ingenuity. Located next to the Stadhuys, its notable feature is the ceiling, whose beams, over 15m (16yd) long, were each made from a single tree. The 200 years old pews are still in evidence. Over the altar, there is a painting of the Last Supper on glazed tiles and on the floors are tombstones in Armenian script.