The Heritage of Georgetown

Georgetown, Penang’s capital situated on the northeastern coast of the island is littered with several interesting attractions.  The city was founded and built by the British in Malaysia, who named it after King George III.  There after the city experienced various waves of immigration which gave rise to its multicultural, multiethnic identity, a characteristic well represented in the many heritage buildings, which dot its cityscape.

Georgetown’s various heritage attractions are conveniently located close to each other within the city’s historic core, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Cultural site and can be easily explored on foot.

Some prominent heritage sights of Georgetown include: -

Fort Cornwallis- this star-shaped fort was constructed by Captain Francis Light as soon as he arrived in Penang in the 17^th century. The fort was reinforced and finished in the 19^th century. On display here are various original structures like prison cells, a chapel, ammunition storage areas, a harbor light, the original flagstaff and a few bronze cannons dating back to the 17^th century.

The Penang Town Hall-this grand Victorian edifice, inaugurated by Governor Sir Fedderick Weld in 1880, served as the epicenter of the town’s social activities.  Theater performances, church services and even the Penang State Library were hosted here.  A lofty Cenotaph onsite pays homage to the victims of World War1.

Convent Light Street school- This is the oldest girls school in Malaysia and is housed in a building, which was once the residence of the governor of Penang.

Kapitan Keling Mosque- this mosque was built in the 19^th century by Indian Muslim Soldiers attached to the British Army.

Ancient churches- Georgetown’s magnificent churches the Cathedral of the Assumption, a catholic church circa 1890, and the St. George’s Anglican Church completed in 1818 are definitely worth visiting.

The Penang State Museum- this stately building established in 1816, has housed the Penang Free School and the Hutchings School over the years.

The City Hall – is a magnificent exponent of the new Palladian school of architecture. Completed in 1903, it once housed the Penang seat of government but now houses the Municipal council of Penang Island.

The Srimahamarriman Temple –the oldest Hindu temple in Penang is dedicated to Hindu deity, Sri Muthu Marriaman. Originally erected as a humble structure, it has grown in stature over the years and is topped with an elaborate gopuram(tower) featuring 38 Hindu gods and goddesses.

The Goddess of Mercy Temple- Dating back to 1728, the Goddess of Mercy Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Penang.

Chinese clan houses and temples- notable attractions of Georgetown also include the various, embellished Chines clan houses and temples, like the Khoo Kongsi,  the Yap Kongsi Temple, the Tua Pek Kong Temple and the Cheah Kongsi.

The complete listing of notable heritage buildings in Georgetown can be found at:- http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/UnescoHeritageBrochure.pdf