Description of the attraction
Merdeka Square means Independence Square. This is a historical place for Malaysia and is a symbol of an independent country. It was on this square that the flag of a state free from British colonization was raised on August 31, 1957.
Nevertheless, the most beautiful architectural appearance of the square is a legacy of the colonial past. It looks like a single ensemble due to the fact that almost all buildings were designed by Arthur Norman, a British architect, the author of many historical buildings in Kuala Lumpur that have become attractions. This architect managed to combine the traditional European and English styles with the Moorish, Saracenic and architectural elements of Southeast Asia in an extremely harmonious way. An example of this is the arched colonnades of the first floors of the buildings of Merdeka Square, which emphasize the oriental flavor of Victorian buildings.
With the exception of the 40-meter clock tower of the building of Sultan Abdul-Samad, all the houses in the square are low. The skyscrapers of the modern capital towering behind them emphasize the comfort of these ancient buildings.
Another reminder of the British past is the grassy lawn in the center of the square - in the spirit of traditional English golf courses. Until 1957, this territory was used by members of the Royal Cricket Club, who were mainly British.
The square was rebuilt, fountains were equipped, and trees and benches were planted around the lawn. The cricket club is still operating and its building is one of the attractions of the square, but the place for games is now located a little further away. Among other beautiful buildings, the palace of Sultan Abdul-Samad, the General Post Office and the city mayor's office stand out.
The landmark of the square is a hundred-meter flagpole in its southern part. Since 1957, the national flag of the state has been flying on it. Independence Day parades and other public holidays are held here. On such days, the square is closed. Without traffic, it looks even more beautiful: a corner of antiquity in a metropolis. In the evenings, the square becomes a place for walks for townspeople and tourists. And the original lighting of the fountains makes its surroundings even more magnificent.
