Ruins of St. Paul's
The most famous sight in Macau. The original church was probably designed by an Italian Jesuit in the early 17th century and it was built with the assistance of Japanese Christian artisans who had fled from feudal persecution in Nagasaki. In 1835, the church and its adjacent college caught fire and burned to the ground leaving only the facade, the staircase and a few portions of the walls.
In 1996 a religious museum was opened in the excavated crypt of the church. It contains the tomb of the Jesuit missionary Valignano, bones of Japanese and Vietnamese martyrs, a model of the original church and some 17th century works of religious art.
Barrier Gate (Portas do Cerco)
Situated at the northern most point of Macau, the stone gate that traditionally marked the border with China is now maintained in a small park. It was erected in 1870 and is inscribed with a quotation from Camoes: 'Honour your country for your country is watching you'. Today's travellers use the modern buildings on either side, which house immigration, customs and tourist information offices. The border is open from 7 am to midnight.
Citadel of Sao Paulo do Monte (Monte Fort)
Built by the Jesuits about the same time as St. Paul's. A cannon ball fired from a gun in the fort saved the city from capture in 1622 when a Dutch fleet attempted to invade the city. Telescopes are installed here to give visitors a better view of the city.
Opening hours:
May to September - 6.00 am to 7.00 pm
October to April - 7.00 am to 6.00 pm
A new City Museum is being installed in the foundations and on the platform of the fort. It will have displays showing the history of Macau and its long relationship with China.
Dom Pedro V Theatre
Located on "Largo de Sto. Agostinho", opposite St. Augustine's Church, the theatre is a colonnaded building constructed in the grand neoclassical manner. There is a large entrance hall with an elegant chandelier, and the doors are swept by red velvet curtains. The theatre itself is roughly oval with a balcony round the upper part of the auditorium, and is intimate in its proportions. The stage is rather narrow but deep. The feeling of exclusiveness created by its size is emphasized by the plush velvet seats and the general touches of extravagance, such as the cut-glass door handles and chandeliers. It is a superb setting for the occasional play or opera produced in Macau, and such artists since World War II as Helen Traubel, Peter Pears and Ruggiero Ricci have appeared on its stage. The famous Crazy Paris Show was first held at this theatre for almost 7 years.
Fort of Mong Ha
Located at top of Mong Ha Hill, it overlooks the border with China. This fort was built during the governorship of Ferreira do Amaral, in 1849. It has one entrance gate with loop-holes for rifle-firing and when built it was considered impregnable. Nowadays, the barracks have been converted into a small 24 room pousada to house government civil servants and of ficial visitors.
A Hotel and Tourism Training School was established here in 1982, and in 1995 a Tourism College, with degree courses, was added, to create the Institute of Tourism Education and Training.
Guia Fortress and Lighthouse
The fortress was built in the 17th century and stands on the highest point of Macau. The Lighthouse inside was the first on the China Coast and was built by a local born Portuguese, Carlos Vicente da Rocha. A public telescope is also in stalled here.
Pousada de Sao Tiago
A Portuguese inn, constructed in traditional style and using hand-crafted decorative features, within the walls of the 17th century Fortaleza de Sao Tiago. The Pousada received a Special Commendation in the Pacific Area Travel Association's heritage competition in 1982.
Leal Senado (Municipal Council)
The building is regarded as the most outstanding example of Portuguese architecture in the territory. A public library is located on the first floor and its two inner chambers contain magnificent examples of the institution at Coimbra, in Portugal.
Largo do Senado Square
The 3,700 sq.m. Largo do Senado square is newly paved with a wave-patterned mosaic of coloured stones, created by Portuguese experts. From the main road to the church of St. Dominic, the pavement extends to the ruins of St. Paul's, making the heart of the city a pedestrian paradise.
Old Protestant Cemetery
Among those buried here: Dr. Robert Morrison, who compiled the first English and Chinese dictionary and translated the Bible into Chinese; George Chinnery, an artist who lived in Macau in the 18th century; Capt.Lord John Spencer Churchill, Commander of H.M. Ship Druid and an ancestor of Sir Winston Churchill; also seamen and non-Portuguese Traders.
MUSEUMS
Macau Maritime Museum
Situated opposite the historic A-Ma temple, concentrates on Portuguese and Chinese maritime links. Displays include models, and real vessels moored nearby at no. l pier. It offers regular half-hour tours around the inner harbour with departures at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm everyday except on Tuesdays. The fare is $10 patacas per person.
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (except Tuesdays). Admission is $8 patacas for adults and free for children under 10 years old.
Post Office Museum
Housed in the general Post Office in the centre of the city. It contains displays of postal equipment and artifacts, the studio of Macau's first radio station, a 1930s automatic phone exchange, and photographs of such events as the arrival of the territory's first air mail delivery, by a Pan Am flying boat in 1937. The museum is open weekdays between 3 pm and 5 pm, or by special advance arrangement with the General Post Office of Macau (CTT).
Macau Grand Prix Museum
Located in the basement of the Tourist Activities Centre, the Grand Prix Museum was opened in 1993 on the occasion of the 40th Macau Grand Prix, Asia's premier road racing event and the world's leading Formula 3 championship. It contains some of the cars and motor cycles that won here in the past, plus pictures, videos and memorabilia of such winners as Ayrton Senna. In addition there are interactive simulators for visitors to 'drive' the circuit.
The museum is open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Admission is 10 patacas for adults,5 patacas for those aged 11 to 18. There are special discounts for groups.
Wine Museum
Sharing the basement of the Tourist Activities Centre with the Grand prix Museum, the Wine Museum tells the story of viniculture from ancient times, including the introduction of wine into Asia through Macau by the Portuguese. On display are traditional presses, distilling equipment, wine fraternity costumes and bottles of 700 different Portuguese wines.
Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Entrance for adults over 18 is 15 patacas, which includes a wine sampling. Those aged 11 to 18 pay 5 patacas.
Taipa House Museum
This old colonial style building is at the foot of a small hill that is crowned by a century-old Catholic Church. It is designed to show how Portuguese families lived in Macau in the beginning of the twentieth century.
The museum is open on weekdays (except Mondays), weekends and on public holidays, from 9:30 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 5:30 pm.
CHURCHES
The Cathedral
The original cathedral was the church of Our Lady of Hope of St.Lazarus, declared the mother church of the Macau Diocese which included the religions provinces of China, Japan, Korea and other islands adjacent to China. The first stone cathedral, consecrated in 1850, was almost destroyed in a typhoon 24 years later and had to be extensively repaired.
The Cathedral was completely rebuilt in 1937. It has two solid towers and massive doors. Inside, its chief beauty lies in its fine stained-glass windows.
Many of the major events of the church calendar focus on the Cathedral, especially at Easter when, in addition to the procession of Our Lord of Passos, there is a solemn parade on Good Friday and special masses on Easter Sunday.
Sao Domingos Church
Built in the baroque style in the 17th century by a Spanish order of Dominicans.
Sao Lourenqo Church
The most fashionable church in Macau was first built of wood in the 1 560's, replaced by Taipa in 1618 and reconstructed in stone during 1801-3.
Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, except Sundays and Public Holidays, and 10 am to 1 pm at weekends.
Penha Church From this hilltop there are sweeping views of the Inner Harbour and city, the Pearl River, and the islands and hills of nearby China. There is a tourist information counter.
The church of St. Joseph Seminary
Open to the public since March 1990. Situated at Rua do Seminario, this church was built by the Jesuits in the 1 8th century and restored in the early 20th century. It is a place worth visiting, especially for those interested in the art of architecture and sculpture which are the most attractive features of the church. Open daily to the public, except Wednesdays, from 10 am to 4 pm.
TEMPLES
Temple of Kun Iam
The original temple was built more than 600 years ago. This was the place where, in 1844, the first treaty of trade and friendship was signed between China and U.S.A. There is a small gold lacquer statue depicting Marco Polo (one of the 18 wise men of China) with bulging round eyes, a largish nose, a moustache and a small curly beard. In the garden is the famous intertwined "lovers' tree".
Temple of A-Ma
This temple is situated at the base of Barra Hill. The shrine was erected by the fisherfolk to the Goddess A-Ma or Tin Hau as she was known among some of the worshippers, after whom Macau was named by the Portuguese settlers in 1554-1557.
Lin Fong Temple
Situated close to the border, this temple was used as an inn by visiting Chinese officials, including Commissioner Lin Tse-Hsu, whose statue stands in the courtyard. The temple is also famous for its decorative clay friezes.
GARDENS & PARKS
Camoes Garden and Grotto
This is the place where Luis de Camoes, the famous Portuguese soldier-poet, is said to grotto above which Count de La Perouse, the French explorer, built an observatory.
Lou Lim Ieoc Garden
A beautiful Chinese garden modelled on those in Soochow. With its twisting walks amid ornamental "mountains", it resembles a landscape in a Chinese painting.
Sun Yat-Sen Park
Located next to the canal that forms Macau's border with China, this park contains an aviary, greenhouse and a fung shui forest of trees which are believed to bring good luck. For recreation there is a children's playground, pelota courts and two multi-purpose fields. Close to the entrance are buildings in classical Chinese style, which house a cafe, exhibition hall and library. Outside the gate is a statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, who worked in Macau in the 1890's.
Seac Pai Wan Park
Built on the site of the Macau Foresty and Agriculture Department, the park covers 20 hectares.
There is a large walk-in aviary stocked with birds, and an air-conditioned display room to give information about local flora and fauna. Hundreds of trees and shrubs scientifically identified have been planted amid the natural vegetation.
Chinese-style pavilions have been built on the hillsides along pathways to afford rest areas and panoramic views. There is also a restaurant serving local macanese dishes and space for barbecue.
The park is open daily except Mondays from 10 am to 6 pm. During the week, route 21A buses serve the park at 40-minute intervals. At weekends and on public holidays, the frequency is 15 minutes. The fare is 4.5 patacas and buses depart from opposite Hotel Lisboa.
Cheoc Van Park
Situated on Cheoc Van Beach, in Coloane, it consists of an irregular shape swimming pool with a maximum depth of 3m, a restaurant-bar, and changing rooms, covering 4,000 sq meters.
It is open from 8 a.m. till 9 p.m. on weekdays and closes at midnight on weekends. Us and free of charge for those under 5.
Hac Sa Sport and Recreation Complex
Situated behind the popular Hac Sa Beach, it covers nearly 18,500 sq meters of land and has facilities for the more active visitor.The complex has an olympic-size swimming pool and a small pool for children.
Other facilities available include:
a multi-purpose sports field with seating for 200, which can be used for tennis, basket-ball, mini-soccer and other events;
2 tennis courts only for playing tennis;
a mini-golf course with an 1 8-hole layout;
a badminton court;
places for barbecue picnics;
a children's playground with various facilities to play; and
a small snack bar.
The complex is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. except Saturday that closes at midnight. Use of the pool costs 15 patacas for adults and 5 patacas for children aged 5 to 17 years.
MOUNUMENTS
Vasco da Gama Monument
Standing in a small park in front of the Royal Hotel, a heroic bust commemorates Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who discovered the sea route from Europe to India.
Gate of Understanding
Located at the entrance of the Inner Harbour, it is a 40-metre tall monument to honour the Luso-Chinese relations. The monument was completed in 1993.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Cybernetic Fountain
The biggest fountain in Asia was installed in the reservoir opposite the Ferry Terminal. It is computer-controlled and consists of 292 water jets, the tallest reaching 70 metres, with special shows of sound and light every night, except Fridays.
The Inner Harbour
Along the coastal line where the fishing junks shelter and vessels of all kinds gather for trade and refit.
Historic Archives
Contains letters, books and manuscripts pertaining to Portugal's exploration and Macau's relations with Europe, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia from a wide variety of governmental, civic, ecclesiastic and private sources. The most valuable have been put on microfilm, including 7500 items dating from 1587 to 1786.
The archives are housed in one of the mansions in colonial style in Avenida de Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida restored by the Macau Government which won the Pacific Area Travel Association's Heritage Award, in 1982.
Village of Taipa
Contains several interesting old temples, Chinese shop houses and Portuguese colonial style offices. Nearby is the Macau Jockey Club and track. There is a "food street", formed by a group of small to medium sized restaurants serving Chinese, Portuguese and Macanese foods. They are crowded at lunchtimes and evenings with local residents, and at weekends with knowledgeable Hong Kong visitors.
Four Faces Buddha Shrine
There are two Four Faces Buddha in Macau: one at the end of the car park of the Macau Jockey Club on Taipa Island; and the other at theInternational Centre close to the wharf which is a very interesting monument in an ornate Thai Style.
Town of Coloane
Contains a chapel dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, Tam KungTemple, and several temples dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea Tin Hau. Close by are two beaches and the very old Hac Sa village where archaeologists have uncovered finds dating back some 3000 years.
Coloane Fitness Circuit
A series of interconnecting trails have beenestablished in the wooded hills of Coloane, where hikers can enjoy fresh air, a vast range of tropical flora and splendid views of the South China Sea. For those who want more strenuous exercise there is a fitness circuit set out with parallel bars, rope climbing and other exercise equipment. The circuit begins at the start of the Coloane Trail, next to the Seac Pai Wan Park.
Electronic Guide
The Macau Municipal Council with the support of several entities, namely the Macau Government Tourist Office, has launched an electronic system to provide information in Portuguese, Chinese and English, called "City Guide", to local residents and visitors.
Using an interactive monitor or "touch screen" which allows users to access any page with a simple touch on the monitor, the guide contains general information about the city and cultural or sports events, like the Macau International Music Festival or the Grand Prix. The information is updated every day and access to each of the pages takes only a few seconds.
There are City Guides in the Ferry Terminal, Leal Senado, Maritime Museum, Yaohan Department Store, major hotels such as the Lisboa, Sintra, Sao Tiago, Grandeur and The Westin Resort, as well as other tourist sites around town.
