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With the Portuguese present in Macau from the 16th century until 1999, one would expect a huge diversity in architectural styles, similar to Hong Kong. In truth, Macau rapidly lost its prestige and importance as Hong Kong’s fortunes improved, leaving it a bit neglected in the 19th and 20th centuries. There is a heavy emphasis on Mannerist and Baroque buildings in Macau, marking the heyday of the colony in the 16th and 17th centuries. You can also find a several good examples of both neo-Renaissance and neo-Classical architecture, although there isn’t really a section of the city that stands out in terms of these particular paradigms. Sadly, there aren’t a whole lot of examples of the futurist style of the Fascist area, although there is one prominent building in the Largo do Senado. Modern architecture appears to be dominated by the garish and ugly constructions for casinos, which help to add to Macau’s reputation as a sleazy gambling city.
Written Jan 5, 2011
In addition to azulejos, Macau’s Portuguese feel is enhanced by calçadas, or the typically Portuguese cobblestone streets. As in Lisbon, it is quite easy to find examples of black and white patterns all around the city. In the area near the Cathedral, there is a good example of a ship made out of black tiles on a white background. Most of the patterns that are found around the city are geometric ones, rather than actual images, but it is still a good idea to keep your eyes to the ground to look out for something interesting!
Updated Jan 5, 2011
In addition to Mannerist and Baroque architecture and calçadas (cobblestone streets), azulejos are a typically Portuguese art form that has been very successfully exported to Macau. Azulejos are found most easily in the area near the Cathedral and Dominican church, although there are examples elsewhere in the city. The thing that is a bit surprising (or perhaps not), is that the azulejos are largely in keeping with the Portuguese tradition. I’m not an expert on Portuguese or Chinese art, but what struck me is that there is little to no Chinese influence on this particular art form. It seems surprising, given that Chinese artists are famous for their pottery and glazing, but perhaps this was one particular aspect of Portuguese culture that did not pass on to the local inhabitants.
Written Jan 5, 2011
I noticed that there were many stores selling these one foot by one foot pieces of meat. It looked like beef jerky, but about a centimeter thick. Depending on how big you want the pieces, the store clerk would cut the pieces with a pair of scissors. There were many of these merchants and all were doing brisk business. I'm not sure if this is a Macau specialty, but I've not seen this anywhere else. Some of the different types were spicy, garlic, lamb, beef, etc
Written May 8, 2010
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Saw this illustration as display inside the Macau Museum. Seeing those games, we can really trace some of our own sets of games from the Chinese. We have a modified games like that here in the Philippines.
I wonder if children in Macau still play those stuff. Filipino children still do.
Written Nov 22, 2007
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Although it's likely to be a slight disadvantage... it's better just to spend in HKD so dun bother with changing Macau dollars because I was told you can't get it changed back to your home currency as Macau dollars are only accepted in Macau?
How true is this?
Written Jun 30, 2007
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Macau has very beautiful cobbled streets. The government has made great efforts in preserving this as seen in the main picture where men are repairing even a small patch of ruined tiles.
My mom used to tell me...she has not seen a small patch of earth here...all tiles!
Written Nov 22, 2006
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If in the Philippines we have the "jeepneys" ... in Thailand, they have the "tuk-tuk" ... in Cambodia, the "bicycles" ... in Macau, the king is the "scooters"! They are everywhere so be careful when crossing the street.
Updated Nov 22, 2006
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Small altars outside the homes and shops are a common sight. You'll see flowers, sometimes fruits and incense being offered here. Macau is rich in culture where Christianity and Buddhism co-exist in harmony.
Written Nov 21, 2006
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In ancient times the wives of fishermen went into a cave (Gua) for praying for happy returns of their husbands. It was here where the A-MA legends was founded. The Goddess A-Ma (Mother, Who Is Honoured) granted Her name to this island-place by a miraculous legend.
According to the A-Ma legend, there was a beautiful but poor girl, named Lin/Tin. She managed to save the small vessel of a poor fisherman during a fearfully storm. Ships of some rich sailors had refused to take the girl onboard so the poor fisherman picked up the girl. While all rich sailors lost their ships, and their lives, the poor fisherman got ashore safely, and the girl at once got transformed into a goddess, engulfing in a ray of light. A temple was built by the grateful fisherman in the cave where the beautification eventuated, dedicated to Tin Hau, Queen of Heaven, protectress of seafarers.
People still pay honour and respect to the Mother, Who Is Honoured, and dedicated a huge image to the legendary A-MA. Even the A-MA has been confused with the Bodhisattva Quan Yin, the Goddess Kannon/Kwan Yin, and the famous KUN IAM from Macau ...
Believe it or not, my picture is from a little statue I got from my brother!
Written Sep 23, 2006
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Reviews and photos of Concelho de Macau attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Concelho de Macau sightseeing.
In ancient times the wives of fishermen went into a cave (Gua) for praying for happy returns of their husbands. It was here where the A-MA legends was founded....
18 members live in Concelho de Macau
Q: I will be staying at the Pousada de Mong-ha in Macau. Is there a bus from the Macau airport to the hotel? Thanks.
A: Yes, there are buses in the airport and the ride is free. Just tell the people in the bus terminal where your destination is, so they may tell you the appropriate bus to...
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