Concelho de Macau Off The Beaten Path

  Na Tcha Temple
by mikey_e
 
  • Na Tcha Temple
      Na Tcha Temple
    by mikey_e
  • Sam Van Vui Kun Temple
      Sam Van Vui Kun Temple
    by mikey_e
  • Instituto de Cultura
      Instituto de Cultura
    by mikey_e
  • The Central Library
      The Central Library
    by mikey_e
  • A view of a theatre
      A view of a theatre
    by mikey_e
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Museum of the Holy House of Mercy

by snuggie

Holy House of Mercy is an historic white structure in Macau's Senado Square . It was built in 1569 on the orders of the Bishop of Macao.The museum was located in a quiet lane just off Senado Square in the centre of the city, the house is often overlooked and mistaken for a government office.It was a medical clinic and several other social welfare structures in early Macau. It later served as an orphanage and refuge for widowers of sailors lost at sea.Admission: MOP$5 Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Closed on Sundays & public holidays)

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St. Dominic's Church

by snuggie

Standing on the site of a chapel and convent built by the Dominicans in the 1590's St. Dominic's Church dates from the early 17th century. It has an imposing facade of cream-colored stone with white stucco moldings and green-shutter windows. St. Dominic's Church has a violently dramatic past. In 1644 a military officer who supported the Spanish against the Portuguese was murdered at the alter during Mass. In 1707 the Dominicans sided with the Pope against Macau's bishop in the Rites Controversy. When local soldiers tried to enforce an excommunication order on them, the friars locked themselves in the church for three days and pelted the soldiers with stones. In 1834 the monastic orders were suppressed and for a time the church was used by the government as barracks, stable and public works office. St. Dominic's Church was renovated in 1997 and opened to the public with a museum, on the...

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Doca dos Pescadores

by mikey_e

I’m not really sure what this building is, or why it was built in the style of a traditional Chinese castle. Still, the fact that it is fairly far from the old city of Macau leads me to believe that it is not quite as old as it seems to be. It stands over the Fishermen’s Wharf and provides an impressive view to anyone who is arriving in Macau from HK. Perhaps there is something special inside, or perhaps it’s just an extension of the nearby Sands Casino.

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Reservoir

by mikey_e

The reservoir is hardly a tourist attraction in Macau, but it is something that adds a bit of tranquility and peace to an otherwise hectic and dirty city. I walked along here on my way back from the Islamic Cemetery and Mosque (again, not a tourist attraction) and thought the view a pretty one. This is one of the few places in the city where you are likely to find people jogging out of doors.

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Lou Lim Ioc Park

by mikey_e

I went to Lou Lim Ioc Park because I was bored with too much wandering around the streets in the noise and pollution. This park is a real gem, as it is not only a beautiful green spot in an otherwise densely populated city, but also a showcase of traditional Chinese architecture. The park has a number of different small ponds with lots of water lilies and flowering bushes. There are also small courtyards and pavilions done in traditional architectural style, with glazed green or red roofs. The park is filled with elderly people, some of whom do exercises, although you do occasionally see school-aged children within its walls.

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Macau Central Library and Cultural Institute

by mikey_e

A bit of a walk outside of the main city centre and the old buildings, the Macau Central Library and the Cultural Institue provide a bit of insight into the modern life of the territory and efforts to preserve its unique culture. Both are fairly new establishments, and it is pretty obvious that they were modelled on, somewhat successfully, the traditional architecture of the Portuguese areas of Macau. The colours are a bit off, but the style of the buildings is quite close to what you would expect of the Portuguese theatres and cultural institutions. Across the main plaza that are also modern theatres, built in the colossal proportions for which Mainland China is famous. I didn't stop by to see what sort of performances are put on here, but I imagine that the majority of them are in Cantonese, rather than English or Portuguese.This is in São Lazaro, at the end of Abreu Nunes.

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Sam Van Vui Kun Temple

by mikey_e

Sam Van Vui Kun Temple is billed as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of Chinese and Portuguese in Macau. It is located in the old Chinese Bazaar, but the area was also an important one for Portuguese merchants. Furthermore, the temple’s proximity to the Cathedral seems to point to a laissez-faire attitude on the part of the Portuguese with respect to the continuance of local traditions. Its actual date of construction is unknown, although inscriptions point to the fact that it was restored in 1792. It is a fairly small, humble structure that is sometimes overshadowed by the larger commercial buildings around it, with its southern façade the best one for pictures. The interior is, like many other Chinese temples, quite crowded, but it is still in use and therefore a fairly busy place. I forget the exact meaning of the name of this temple, but I think that it is something like...

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Na Tcha Temple

by mikey_e

The Na Tcha Temple is a small temple that is just to the side of the ruins of São Pedro. It’s not a large structure, but it is an interesting one for those who are looking to photograph traditional Chinese architecture. This provides a neat bit of perspective on the Colonial authorities’ priorities, as there is a tiny temple located next to a mammoth skeleton of a Catholic church, despite the fact that the vast majority of the city’s inhabitants were and are Buddhist, Taoist or Confucian, not Catholic.

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Tree of Prosperity-Wynn Hotel Macau

by snuggie

A highly recommended place to visit even if you not staying there or not visiting the casino.See the tree poping up from the ground and the spectacular and sparkling movement of kinetic sculptures, video, light and music.The Tree of Prosperity performance is designed to thrill and excite guests as they enter Wynn Macau. The atrium depicts Chinese and western astrological symbols, and includes a crystal chandelier, and a first-of-its-kind golden tree, symbolizing auspiciousness.The show is available every 30 minutes from 10am to 2am daily.

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Maritime Museum

by snuggie

The museum was was launched in 1986 by Commander António Martins Soares who, at that time, was the Macau Harbour Master.The architectural façde of the Museum gives the viewer an impression of a stylized vessel. This museum is located near the A Ma temple.Admission:10 to 17 years old: MOP$5.00 (Mon. to Sat.); $3.00 (Sun.)18 to 64 years old: MOP$10.00 - standard ticket (Mon. to Sat.); $5.00 (Sun.)Free admission - children under 10 or senior of 65 years old or over.Opening hours 10:00 - 17:30Closed on TuesdaysAddress: 1, Largo do Pagode da Barra, Macau.

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Questions and Answers

swiftfoot profile photo

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. 

theguardianangel profile photo

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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