Historic sites in Singapore

Historic Sites of Singapore

This collection showcases Singapore’s multi-layered history through its architecture and monuments. It features the city’s oldest religious sites, including the Dravidian-style Sri Mariamman Temple and the ornate Thian Hock Keng. The list highlights colonial landmarks such as the Neo-Gothic St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Victorian-style Raffles Hotel alongside the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens, founded in 1859. From the vibrant painted windows of the MICA Building to the poignant WWII ruins of Syonan Jinja, these sites reflect the diverse Chinese, Indian, Malay, and British influences that shaped the island.

Historic Sites of Singapore — Map

Marcin Konsek / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Merlion Park

This park is notable especially because it holds the iconic landmark and "mascot" of Singapore: Merlion, a mythical half-lion, half-fish…

Sengkang / Copyrighted free use

B

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Tropical botanical garden founded in 1859, featuring a collection of over 10,000 plant species across 74 hectares. It serves as a significant center for botanical research and plant conservation.

Steve Jurvetson / CC BY 2.0

C

Sri Mariamman Temple

Located in the heart of Chinatown, this is the oldest and most important Hindu temple in Singapore.

Iloilo Wanderer / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Burmese Buddhist Temple

Also called Maha Sasana Ramsi, this is the oldest Theravada temple in Singapore.

Terence Ong / CC BY 2.5

E

Thian Hock Keng

This hidden gem is one of the most beautiful, and most ornate, Hokkien temples in the country.

Smuconlaw / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Masjid Sultan

This mosque, called also Masjid Sultan, is well worth visiting for its impressive architectural form dating back to the beginning of 19th…

James Mason-Hudson / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Raffles Hotel Singapore

This legendary and glorious hotel built in showy Victorian style is named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Thomas Raffles.

Someformofhuman / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Saint Andrew's Cathedral

This Anglican cathedral was built in a distinctive Gothic Revival style.

Sengkang / Copyrighted free use

I

Chijmes

This former Catholic convent with Neo-Gothic chapel now serves as an entertainment venue.

yeowatzup / CC BY 2.0

J

MICA Building

This vibrant building can be easily recognized for its almost thousands of windows painted in bright colors.

CYRavi / CC-BY-SA-3.0

K

Chettiar Hindu Temple

This important Hindu temple, dedicated to Murugan, god of war, is also known as the Tank Road temple.

Sengkang / Copyrighted free use

L

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

This motley of bright colors, sounds, and smells represents a breathtaking example of Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, built in Dravidian…

Terence Ong / CC BY 2.5

M

People of the River

Scattered all around the riverbank, these almost alive statues celebrate the importance the river once had.

Terence Ong / CC BY 2.5

N

Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Singapore, it is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

Wzhkevin / cc-by-sa-4.0

O

Syonan Jinja

Shinto shrine ruins dating back to the Japanese occupation during World War II. These remains of a structure envisioned as one of the most significant Shinto shrines in Asia are currently inaccessible to the public.

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