Destination Guide: The 5 Faces of Macao series – #2 Historic Macao

In this second part of our exclusive 5 FACES OF MACAO SERIES, we focus on clients who want to really immerse themselves in a destination, to dive in-depth into the history and architecture on self-guided and organised walking tours. To say those travellers will be captivated and fascinated by Macao, is an understatement – with over 20 individual UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites to its name and the City of Macao itself included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005.

So why is historic Macao so important to the world?

Macao was known as Ou Mun or ‘trading gate’ because of its location at the mouth of the Pearl River, downstream from Guangzhou, and was the port city for ships loading with silk to take to Rome in ancient times. In the early 1550s, the Portuguese reached Ou Mun, which the locals called A-Ma Gao, ‘place of A Ma’, in honour of the Goddess of Seafarers. The Portuguese adopted the name, which gradually changed into ‘Macao’. It became the perfect crossroads for the meeting of eastern and western cultures and, as churches and fortresses were built, the European influence changed the appearance of the city.

The Maritime Museum is the perfect place for visitors to begin their historic Macao journey.

Did You Know …?

• Macao remained an Asian region under Portuguese rule from 1557 until it became a sovereign Chinese nation (now a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China) in 1999
• Macao has almost 450 years of western influence. In fact, Macao was the first Asian nation to be colonised by western powers, and it is that east-meets-west legacy of close to five centuries that gives Macao its historic significance in the world
• Not only is Macao’s history important because of its Portuguese and Chinese heritage, but also because so much of its centuries old architecture has been preserved
• Macao’s largely undisturbed rare blending of eastern and western cultures, lovingly preserved by the Macanese for hundreds of years, earned the City of Macao’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list
• Macao’s rich heritage is a gold mine for lovers of history, culture, art and architecture, in particular

First time visitors to Macao are often amazed at the seamless integration of both cultures – Portuguese and Chinese – in the Peninsula, and the loving devotion of this generation of Macanese, of both western and eastern descent, to continue to revere, honour and preserve both the Portuguese and Chinese heritage of Macao.

Share a preview of historic Macao with your clients, then customise an unforgettable experience into the past that is officially recognised as a significant contribution to world history. Your clients can plan a self-guided tour or take advantage of the Macao Historic Centre guide and suggested tours created by Macao Government Tourism Office.

The Ruins of St. Paul’s

The most iconic, and most visited, historic site in Macao is the Ruins of St. Paul’s. All that now remains is the grand facade of the Church of Mater Dei. The structure itself, which was constructed in timber, was destroyed by fire in 1835. The existing facade walls are covered with bas-reliefs in various patterns, such as chrysanthemum, moon, sun as well as Chinese inscriptions.

Senado Square

A landmark and much frequented part of Macao, Senado Square exudes a Mediterranean atmosphere and is an example of neo-Classical architecture. Its distinctive ‘wave’ paving was designed to represent the maritime heritage of the early Portuguese sailors who settled in Macao.

A-Ma Temple

One of the oldest temples in Macao and the precursor to the spread of A-Ma worship in Europe, thanks to the unique East-West cultural exchange founded in Macao.

Mandarin’s House

The Mandarin’s House has the characteristics of traditional Guangdong’s residences, with a fusion of architectural influences from western cultures, making it a unique product of Chinese and western cultural interchange. Home of famed Chinese ideologist, Zheng Guanying, the buildings are predominantly Chinese style with western influences, marking a period in Macao when Chinese architecture started to display a fusion of influences from different cultures.

St. Anthony’s Church

One of the oldest churches in Macao, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church is also known as the ‘Church of Flowers’, and is located on Rua de Santo Antonio.

St. Dominic’s Church

Founded in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests, and connected to the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary, the first Portuguese newspaper in China was published at St. Dominic’s Church in 1822.

St. Augustine’s Church and St. Augustine’s Square

Several buildings line the typical cobblestone Portuguese-influenced square, including St. Augustine’s Church.

… other must-see historic sites include:

Mount Fortress

Built between 1617 and 1626, in conjunction with the Jesuits, Mount Fortress was once the city’s principal military defence structure.

Guia Fortress

Guia Fortress includes a chapel and lighthouse and was positioned on the highest hill in Macao. Architectural and design motifs represent Macao’s unique East-West heritage.

St Joseph’s Seminary & Church

According to UNESCO records, St Joseph’s Church, and the facade of Mater Dei at the famous Ruins of St Paul’s, are the only examples of Baroque architecture still remaining in China.

Dom Pedro V Theatre

Built in 1860, this theatre was the first western-style theatre in China. Today, it is one of the most important cultural landmarks for the Macanese community.

Take 1 minute to explore Macao’s unique historical sites.

For more background information on Macao, including Destination Guide Fact Sheet and video CLICK HERE.

Did you miss yesterday’s feature – #1 GLAMOROUS MACAO?

Learn more about Macao HERE.

TOP IMAGE: Cathedral Square, Macao/MGTO