Just opposite the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is DATARAN MERDEKA (Independence Square) formerly known as the Selangor Club field before being upgraded and renamed to its present status.


Located at the southern end of the square, is a 95-meter flagpole, one of the tallest in the world.

Aside from Sultan Abdul Samad building, the square is surrounded with many buildings of historical interest including the Royal Selangor Club Complex which is situated on one corner of the square, the National History Museum, the Memorial library and the St. Mary's Anglican cathedral.


St. Mary's Cathedral, a neo-gothic church of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia is more than a hundred years old. The church was left out by the British when they were in the city.


In response to the growing congregation and increased outreach activities, a multi-purpose hall, a Lady chapel and office accommodation were added to the church in 1969 and in 1983, St. Mary's was elevated to Cathedral status.