Cristão

Architecture

Malacca

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The most famous Portuguese structure in Malacca is perhaps the old "formosa" or fortress. The site was almost demolished by the British in the 19th century but was saved from destruction by the appelations of a Lord Minto ("Minto" suggests a Portuguese name).

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The "Misericordia" or "House of Mercy" was a charitable home established by the faithful Catholics in old Malacca. The invading Dutch forces used the building for the interrogation and torture, and forced conversion of Catholic Portuguese into Calvinism. Oral traditions say the wailings and moans heard from the tortures were so extreme that the word "Misericordia" came to be understood as the word for "torture" in the Malay language.

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Perhaps one of the most interesting features of Malacca is the reconstruction of a full-sized Nau in working condition. The Nau is a class of ship (also known as a carrack or "caravela" in Portuguese) that the Spanish Galleons were modeled after. Incidently, about 60 Naus were put in the service of the 16th century Spanish Armada. These merchant ships were converted into frigates or warships by adding towers in the front and back (known as the forecastle and aftcastle)

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Singapore

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The only Portuguese structure to be found in Singapore is Saint Joseph's Church (along Victoria Street) which was also a Portuguese mission up till 1979. Painted tiles known as

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"'azulejos"' adorn the outside walls of the Church.

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