Old Heritage: 10 Historical buildings in Singapore you need to visit

MF editorial team 19 Nov 2016 updated the Saturday, November 19, 2016

1/10
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
This centre of performing arts is a complex of buildings joined with a clock tower that was built over a century ago. It was also known as Town Hall and Victoria Memorial Hall and served different purposes throughout a rich history. As many other buildings in Singapore that are of historic importance, it was used as a hospital during World War II. Definitely worthwhile seeing a show or just strolling through to admire the architecture and the walls that soak up so much of the past.
Photo: Getty Images
2/10
Central Defence Heritage Gallery
If you want to see history in the flesh, then take a tour of this gallery. It’s a living memory of firefighting and civil defence developments since the 1800s. It stands tall, promoting consciousness of civil defence and showing how much history Singapore actually has. Once you visit it, you’ll be able to fully understand this part of Singaporean history.
Photo: Getty Images
3/10
Thian Hock Keng Temple
See for your own eyes the oldest Chinese temple in the country. It still stands tall and proud, and hasn’t withered down like a bouquet of cheap flowers. There are actually two temples to see here, each dedicated to a different god/goddess. You can’t help but admire the colourful interior and the awe-inspiring entrance, with lions and tigers guarding the door (not real ones, so don’t be afraid). It’s like stepping into a time-capsule. Although it makes for a popular tourist attraction, it’s a very peaceful place, radiating serenity.
Photo: Getty Images
4/10
The Battle Box
A place of intriguing history, the Battle Box originally served, during World War II, as a bomb-proof bunker of Britain’s Headquarters Malaya Command. It’s a place where a lot of important decisions were made during the war, but now all that remains is a space turned into museum. These underground rooms can be considered a picturesque representation of the war, depicting the actions of the most important people who participated. The museum includes moving figures, wax figures and different collections of items from war.
Photo: battlebox.com.sg
5/10
The Majestic
This building was previously known as the Majestic Theatre, when it functioned as Singapore’s famous Cantonese opera house, and later on as The Majestic, when it was transformed into a shopping mall. It is still one of the most conspicuous landmarks in Chinatown and Singapore. It was once a grandiose theatre with a domed ceiling and tiles that took your breath away, and still remains a site that has a lot to tell.
Photo: Getty Images
6/10
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
During your quest to visit as many historic buildings in Singapore as possible, stop by to the oldest Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali – the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. It’s older than a century, but ever since it was redesigned in 2014, you can’t tell its age. The elaborate details on the outside of the temple are stunning, and the inside breathes with history - it was the place where people found shelter during Japanese air raids in World War II.
Photo: Getty Images
7/10
Sultan Mosque
In 1824, Sultan Hussein Shah built this magnificent mosque. With him being the first sultan of Singapore and this being the biggest mosque in the country even today, it’s definitely worth a sneak peek. It’s known as one of the most famous historical monuments in the country, and it definitely doesn’t fall short of magnificence ever since it was renovated a century later after it was built.
Photo: Getty Images
8/10
St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Yet another historic building that was built over a century ago. Its walls hold so much history, it’s hard not to at least pay this cathedral a quick visit. During World War II, it served as a temporary hospital, and now it is the worship site for Anglicans. It’s open every day and welcomes all visitors who are looking to admire splendid architecture in blissful serenity.
Photo: Getty Images
9/10
The Old Hill Street Police Station
Beautiful and packed with history at the same time, it manages to catch the eye of everyone in the vicinity. Currently home to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, as well as the Ministry of Communications and Information, it is a picture-worthy building that has a lot of history behind the 927 rainbow-coloured windows. The courtyard is now used for art performances and houses many art galleries as well. From a place of history to a place of culture, it does have an appealing vibe to both tourists and locals.
Photo: Getty Images
10/10
Fort Canning
Fort Canning has a long history of being an essential part of Singapore’s history for quite some time. It’s particularly known as the fort essential for Singapore’s defence. Fort Canning Park now includes attractions and relics from the old days of Singapore, some of which date back as far as the 14th century. The inside, however, is now reserved for performing arts troupes.
Photo: Getty Images

Withstanding the test of time, these buildings give us a real glimpse into a Singapore less known.

Whether you’re a tourist or a local who wants a dose of the blast from the past, it’s always good to know something about the history of the city you’re currently in. Singapore is home to a great number of historic buildings with important pasts that will definitely satisfy your inner historian and give you insight into the city‘s yesteryears. From the oldest Chinese temple in the country, to the grand architectural marvel that is St. Andrew’s Cathedral, to the breathtaking Old Hill Street Police Station, Singapore is definitely still full of surprises that have survived the test of time.

Head up to the gallery to check out our fascinating list of top 10 historical buildings you need to visit.

Alicia Tham

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