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No other city in Malaysia is steeped in as old and as interesting a history as the city of Melaka. Prince Parameswara, a Sumatran noble established Melaka in 1400, and by 1409, the town had become important enough for the Ming Empire to offer Melaka its protection. By 1551, Melaka was firmly established as one of the richest trading ports of the area. When the Portuguese heard of this, they stormed the town, holding it until 1641, when the Dutch made a successful grab for it. In 1795, the British captured Melaka, and by 1827, Melaka was made a British colony. Today, Melaka, a pleasant town located on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia, is left with much colonial architecture, most of which is clustered near or around the Melaka River. Many of the town's attractions are within walking distance, and among the standouts is the 1713 Dutch Christ Church, painted bright red, with original, hand-carved pews still intact. Also nearby is the Baba Nonya Heritage Museum, commemorating the culture of the Straits Chinese, also known as the Babas (men) and Nonyas (women). The Straits Chinese blended Chinese, Malay and British cultures. They spoke their own dialect of Malay, sent their sons to study in England, and served as liaisons between the British and Chinese communities. They rose to great prominence during the British colonial era and their demise after World War II can be compared to the decline of powerful plantation families in America's antebellum South. Malacca was their stronghold, and the museum, actually an old Baba mansion, affords a fascinating glimpse into a once privileged life. Another excellent cultural site is the Muzium Budaya, a replica of a 15th century sultan's palace, built entirely out of wood. In keeping with traditional building practices, no nails were used.