Istana is a palace complex surrounded by parkland. It was formerly the site of an extensive nutmeg plantation. Istana means "palace" in Malay. Its construction was completed in 1869 by British colonists. At first, the mansion was owned by the British government. Since 1959, when Singapore gained autonomy, it became the official residence of the country's president. It also houses the office of the Prime Minister of Singapore.
The exterior of the building was designed by British military engineers. Here you can observe a mix of different architectural styles, from Classicism to Renaissance, which harmonise perfectly with each other. The facade of the palace is decorated with majestic columns and narrow semicircular arches.
Nearby are villas for official guests of Istana, reminiscent of Italian palazzos. The residence is located on one of the main streets of the city, which impresses with a large number of different green spaces. There are also several golf courses on the territory of the park. One of the attractions of Istana is the Japanese battle guns from the Second World War, installed near the palace. The park area has numerous alleys, streams and a large pond. At the back of the garden is a monument to Queen Victoria.
Unfortunately, Istana's doors are only open to visitors a few days a year. During a visit, it is possible to tour some of the palace's halls and stroll through the park. During the rest of the year, the walls of the building host ceremonies and meetings of heads of state.
