The main square of Kuala Lumpur was once a simple cricket field where British colonizers loved to play. Now it is Independence Square, where the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time on August 31, 1957. This happened immediately after the flag of the United Kingdom was lowered, and that is why this place is historically very important for Malaysians. By the way, the local flagpole is 95 meters high, which is an absolute world record.
Some of Kuala Lumpur's most interesting sights are concentrated around the square. First of all, this is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, built by the British in 1897 to a design by Arthur Charles Norman, inspired by Mughal architecture. Mr. Norman was also directly involved in the organization of the Selangor Cricket Club, which is also located here. Cricket is a very popular sport in Kuala Lumpur, especially among wealthy Malaysians.
Here you can also see St. Mary's Cathedral, which is now part of the Diocese of West Malaysia.
Annual parades dedicated to Independence Day take place on the square. If you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur at the end of August, try not to miss this spectacle.
