St. George’s Church

The St. George’s Church was built in 1817 by the East India Company by using convict labour. It is Southeast Asia’s oldest Anglican Church. It is also one of the oldest structures in the state in Penang.

The design and architecture of this Church has a strong Greek influence. It was designed by Captain Robert Smith, a military engineer. The design is charming and well-proportioned. Captain Robert Smith’s collection of oil paintings is also exhibited at the Penang State Museum.

A cool pastel blue matched with stunning marble floors decorate the interior of the Church. On the exterior is a memorial to commemorate Sir Francis Light. The memorial was built in 1886, on the 100th anniversary of the founding of modern Penang. The memorial is in the form of a Greek shrine.

View official website.

Image by Will Ellis.

Opening Hours

Visiting:
Monday – Thursday: 10am – 4pm.
Friday, Saturday: Closed.
Sunday: Service only.

Service:
See website.

Admission

FREE.

Location

1, Lebuh Farquhar,
10200 George Town,
Penang.

View on map.

Hear From Others

Saint George’s Church was built at the cost of 60,000 Spanish dollars. This was considered an exorbitant amount as the same price was paid to acquire Singapore a few years later.

University Sains Malaysia

It looks as fresh as it would have done when its first service was held on Christmas day, 1818.

Sally Arnold
TravelFish

The Malaysian Government has declared St. George’s Church as one of the 50 national treasures and a heritage site.

Abhijeet Deshpande
Times of India

Nearby Attractions

Kuan Yin Temple

Kuan Yin Temple is the oldest temple in Penang Island. It was built specifically to honour the God of Mercy, Kuan Yin.

Penang Museum & Art Gallery

Billed as one of Malaysia’s best-presented museums, it exhibits historical items such as Baba Nyonya porcelain, costumes and jewellery, furniture and many more.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a perfect bygone testament to exhibit Penang’s abundance diversity in history, culture and tradition.