5 Must Visit Heritage Spots in Central Singapore

Published 20 Jul 2016 by Rachael Quek
5 Must Visit Heritage Spots in Central Singapore

Beyond the dazzling shopping malls and greeneries you see in Singapore are hidden gems and sites, especially when it comes to the central area of Singapore, beckoning tourists to explore and discover. After all, have you ever walked past these buildings and wonder what lies beyond the walls of these architectures? Sandwiched between all these sites lie Ode To Art, an art gallery that has been situated in the vicinity for twelve years, making us quite an expert in these heritage sites. Read on, for curious facts you have never knew about these heritage sites!

CHIJMES-Beyond a convent and a church


Photo credits: CHIJMES

Photo credits: CHIJMES

The Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, more commonly known as CHIJMES, is a historic Catholic convent that is located within the Singapore’s central business district area. It has been restored for commercial purposes and houses a fine selection of restaurants, bars and cafes. The compound boasts intricate plasterwork, wall frescoes and Belgian stained glass windows. Be sure not to miss the capitals at the top of each chapel column, where each capital bears an unique impression of tropical flora and birds. The chapel’s complex used to house an orphanage. The Gate of Hope was where unwanted babies are abandoned for nuns to care for in the past. The CHIJMES of today is perfect for a picturesque moment; you can easily find a comfortable spot at the European-style green lawn courtyards or take this opportunity to sit down and enjoy a cup of traditional kopi and kaya toast at Toast Box.

Saint Andrew Cathedral- Taking a walk down Singapore’s memory lane


Photo credits: Wikicommons

When one performs a Google search of the largest cathedral in Singapore, The Saint Andrew Cathedral will always appear first. The cathedral is built in 1836 and portions of the building were struck down in 1852 due to two lightning strikes. Hence, restoration work began. Its original structure was replaced by the Neo-Gothic architectural style which draws references from the Netley Abbey, a ruined thirteenth century church in Hampshire, England. The cathedral is located within the central hub of Singapore and within walking distance from CHIJMES, so we suggest visiting it after you have enjoyed your cup of kopi at CHIJMES!

Take a walk within the nave of the cathedral and be captivated by the beauty and intricacy of the stained glass windows! They are dedicated to important historical figures such as Sir Stamford Raffles and John Crawfurd for their contributions to Singapore. You can also find tablets commemorating the victims of the 1915 Sepoy Mutiny in Singapore around the compound. The cathedral used to be an emergency hospital in 1942 and services resumed in 1945 after the surrender of the Japanese which incidentally marked the end of the Japanese occupation in Singapore. The cathedral pays homage to many significant historical events in Singapore and is a testament to what the nation has been through in the past.

Capitol Building- All-in-one Entertainment Hub


Photo Credits: Daniel Food Diary

Photo credits: Wikicommons

Opposite Saint Andrew Cathedral lies the distinctive Capitol Building, one of Singapore’s most iconic landmark, which opened in 1930. With the renovation of Capitol Building, the Capitol Theatre, neighbouring Stamford House and Capitol Center come together to form a cluster of buildings collectively known as Capitol Singapore.
  
Today, the Capitol Building is one of Singapore’s newest high end shopping mall and accommodates a significant number of luxurious brands and fine dining restaurants. Adjacent to the Capitol Building lies the Capitol Theatre. In the 1960s, Capitol was the first theatre to screen English language films and Hong Kong films. Couples had their first dates here and it was one of the hot spots for youngsters. The entrance of the theatre is grandly furnished with Art-Deco detailings and the theatre takes pride in its curved cantilevered canopy, vaulted roof embellished with the 12 zodiac signs, as well as sculptures of winged horses and their riders flanking the stage.


National Gallery Singapore- Singapore’s take on The Lourve


Photo Credits: The Straits Time

Photo Credits: National Gallery Singapore

Located along the Padang, the National Gallery Singapore is a stone throw away from the Capitol Building. It is a revamp of the former Supreme Court of Singapore and oversees the world’s largest collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian art. The National Gallery Singapore prides itself as having the largest public display of modern Southeast Asian art.The works of prolific Singapore artists such as Georgette Chen, Chen Chong Swee, Chen Wen Hsi, Cheong Soo Pieng and Liu Kang and top Southeast Asian artists are showcased at the gallery.

The interiors of the gallery are huge, majestic and insta-worthy with its eclectic mix of colonial architecture, wooden floorings and glass panels. During daytime, sunlight permeates through the textured ceilings, casting alluring shadows on the ground. Beautiful sunsets and the bustling nightlife of the Singapore’s landscape can be observed from the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden when night falls. The gallery has a rich history as it is home to the former supreme court. Original layouts of the detention cells as well as the underground hole which prisoners come out from during court hearings are still retained, something worthy to look out for.

Raffles Hotel-Birthplace of Singapore Sling


Photo Credits:Your Singapore

Photo Credits:Your Singapore

The Raffles Hotel is a colonial-style luxury hotel located at the heart of Singapore and is within a 10 minute walk from the National Gallery Singapore. It is named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles and is established by Armenian hoteliers, the Sarkies Brothers, in 1887. Making its appearance in the film industry, Raffles Hotel is featured in Ryu Murakami’s novel and film adaptation titled Raffles Hotel due to its scenic environment with lush greeneries and abundance of flora. Famous personalities such as Somerset Maugham, Herman Hesse and Rudyard Kipling have spent a night or two under its roof.

Widely regarded as Singapore’s national drink, the Singapore Sling made its debut here, at the Raffles Hotel. It was first created at the Long Bar in 1915 by bartender, Ngiam Tong Boon. While you are there, sip on the world famous pink cocktail and toss peanut shells onto the floor, the only place in Singapore where “littering” is permitted.

Ode To Art has the privilege to be located near these gems and we have been having our secret rendezvous, especially with the National Gallery Singapore being our newest hangout spot. CHIJMES and the Capitol Building make great places for a short refreshment with a cup of drink while travelling around these sites. Have a quiet moment and be refreshed by the serenity of Saint Andrew Cathedral while immersing yourself in the beauty of the stained glass and colonial architecture. With so many treasures to discover, what are you waiting for? Make a trip down to these places today with your loved ones!