The plaza in front of the Cathedral isn't really a historic site, but it is interesting for the sheer number of unique structures and building styles around it. There is a large cross in the centre, a nod to the church for which this is named, but there is also a fountain and a few apartments of rather singular style.
There are a number of cathedrals in Macau, some of them grandiose and extravagant, others not quite so. This particular Cathedral was obviously not built with the purpose of wowing or awing the people of the city. It is a simple affair in slate grey, a contrast to the general use of pastels and bright colours for the rest of the city. The building itself was under renovation, restricting some photography of the interior. The neo-Classical exterior seems to be a bit of a change from the usual reliance on Baroque and Mannerist styles in the rest of the city's churches. This points to a structure that is likely older than some of the other temples in the city.
One of the more common sights in Macau is the nobleman's house. There are a few examples of these around the city that showcase the abodes of the city's more notable residents. Many of these individuals were poets, writers or merchants who were fairly well-known in the history of Southern China. These names, however, are not always famous for Westerners. Still, the houses provide ample information about both the architecture of the structures and the importance of the individuals who lived in them. I wasn't able to go into this particular house (it was closed the day that I visited), so I didn't see the interior here.
Inside the Church there is a also a Museum devoted to the Christian presence in Macau, the Church and the Dominicans. It's not a very large museum, or one that provides a great amount of information, but it does have a number of interesting pieces that highlight the very European artistic tradition that thrived among the monks. There are numerous crucifixes, as well as all of the accoutrements of services. It takes up three floors of the building, but the exhibits are well-spaced, allowing you to view them at the appropriate distance.
St. Dominic's is a beautiful, Mannerist-style church that is typical of the Portuguese archiecture in Macau. It is fully in tact and well-preserved, allowing it too be used as a fairly popular tourist attraction. The Catholic population of the territory is actually quite small, so visitors are unlikely to disturb worshipers or services when they arrive. The pastel yellow façade is a bit of a contrast with many of the other pink buildings that are seen about Macau, but it matches the general bright colouring of the Portuguese-era structures that dot the old city. Inside, the wooden pews and open, bright transept and nave are much more reminiscent of Catholic churches in other tropical countries (like the Caribbean) rather than the dark and sometimes gloomy temples that one finds in Europe. This is a product of both the numerous windows along the high walls and the pastel yellow of the...
Mount Fortress (Fortaleza do Monte), Monte Hill (located east or St Paul's ruins) - Built between 1617 and 1626 by the Jesuits, the fortress one of the main defence structures of the city. It housed barracks, arsenal and storehouses to allow it to withstand a seige lasting two years. You can get good views of the central part of Macau Peninsula from here. The fortress can be accessed by escalator just east of St Paul's.
Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral (Portuguese: Ruinas de São Paulo; Cantonese: 大三巴 daai saam ba) - The city's most famous landmark and is regarded as the greatest monument to Christianity in the East. The only thing left of the Churh of Mater Dei, built in the 1600s but burnt down in 1835, is the imposing facade, with its Biblical statues and relief, being described as a "sermon in stone" and a "Bible for the poor". Nearby are the remains of the St Paul's College. Behind the facade is the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt, which occupies the chancel of the church, contains archaeological excavations of the site and also exhibits and paintings on early Christian life in the East. The crypt contains the remains of martyrs of Japanese and Vietnamese Christians killed in the 17th century.
Jesus Square is located at the foot of St. Paul's Ruins, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a great view of St. Paul's Ruins. It comprises of the St. Paul's Ruins, the Na Tcha Temple (1888) and the section of the old city walls (1569).
Friendship Bridge or Ponte de Amizade is the bridge connecting Macau peninsula and Taipa. It also connect the Macau International airport to the Ferry terminal.It was built between 1990 to 1994, height 98 feet, width 59 feet,length 15420 feet.
Right next to the Ruins of St Johns, this fort was built in the 1600s and provides a great 360 degree view of Macau. It used to serve as the residence of the Governor of Macau, but now houses the Macau Museum. The fortress is free and open from 7am to 7pm. The museum is open from 10-6 and closed on Mondays. It's also a nice place to relax since there are a lot of shaded areas and benches. And since you must walk uphill to get there, it does get quite tiring so where some comfortable shoes.
Reviews and photos of Concelho de Macau attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Concelho de Macau sightseeing.
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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