If you are looking for a break from the hullaballoo of Macau’s casinos and nightlife, there are a multitude of other attractions to keep you amused. In 2005 Macau was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as an important place of cultural, scientific, technological, artistic, and architectural exchange from the 16th century until now. Some of the most famous places like the Plaza Senado and the Ruins of St. Paul’s transport visitors back to a time when Europeans first traveled to the Orient.
Even today an eclectic mix of people from around the world still mingle and shop in the pedestrian alleyways.Every November, the city’s roads are transformed into the world’s most watched raceway, the Macau Grand Prix, where the best drivers compete for championship and prestige. If you miss the event you can still glimpse the memorabilia and racecars at the Grand Prix Museum, one of many museums found in Macau.
The Macau Tower is the 10th tallest free-standing tower in the world. At the top enjoy the cuisine at 360 Café or for thrill seekers looking for a hair-raising experience, leap from the tower’s 233-meter platform with AJ Hackett’s exhilarating Sky Jump or join the Mast Climb and ascend to the 338-meter pinnacle of the Macau Tower and have a bird’s-eye view of the city. Don’t worry, safety comes first, though this attraction will be sure to get your adrenalin flowing.The southern island of Coloane is an escape within Macau. The forested hills and sandy beaches give visitors a chance to hike, swim, or relax in the shade. There are stunning views of the coastline and leisurely exploration of this stunning island is a worthwhile break from the action.
Museums
Macau Museum
Macau Museum’s aim is to preserve the cultural traditions, usages and habits, which specifically belong to Macau, in a place where East and West have so peculiarly learnt how to meet and to live side by side for centuries.
Located at the Monte Fort and facing St.Paul’s Ruins (the entrance is made by this side), the Museum also occupies the ancient Fortress, which, dominating the Inner Harbour, was built by the Jesuits at the beginning of the 17th century. Next to the fortress was the famous St.Paul’s College also called the College of the Mother of God (considered as the first Western-type University in the Far East). The college was connected to the church bearing the same name and whose facade remains to be admired by all.
Address. Monte Fortress, Praceta do Museu de Macau, No. 112
Opening Hours. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (tickets are only available up to 5.30 p.m.). Closed on Mondays. Opened on public holidays.
Tickets. children (under 11), elderly people (over 60) and students – 8 patacas; adults – 15 patacas, free admission on 15th of every month.
t. +853.2835.7911
f. +853. 2835.8503
e. macmuseu@macau.ctm.net
w. http://www.macaumuseum.gov.mo/
Bus Routes. 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 10, 10A, 11, 18A, 19, 26A, 33
Maritime Museum
If the history of Macau is really connected to the sea, there is, indeed, no better place for the Maritime Museum, than the Square of the Barra Pagoda, dedicated to the Taoist goddess “A-MA”, the protector of the fishermen, and also believed as the place where the Portuguese landed for the first time. The place was called “A MA GAO” at the time (the harbour of A-MA) – hence the name of Macau. Its building has the stylized form of a sailing ship anchored in the waters of the Inner Harbor.
Visitors will find a very interesting group of 14 replicated Portuguese traditional ships, including notes on their origins and functions, together with beautiful models of the ships: the Sagres and the Crioula.
Address. Largo do Pagode da Barra, 1.
Opening Hours. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (sales of tickets will close at 5:30 p.m.) Closed on Tuesdays.
Tickets. 10 to under 18: 5 patacas (from Monday to Saturday) and 3 patacas (on Sunday); 18 to under 65: 10 patacas (from Monday to Saturday) and 5 patacas (on Sunday); under 10, 65 or above: free of charge.
t. +853.2859.5481, or 2859.5483
f. +853.2851.2160
e. museumaritimo@marine.gov.mo
w. http://www.museumaritimo.gov.mo/
Bus Routes. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 10A, 11, 18, 21, 21A, 26, 28B
Wine Museum
This 1400 square-meter space is divided into different areas (Historical information/Wine Cellar/Museum and Exhibitions), using several types of supports: maps, texts, photos, tiles and videos, among other. The aim of these sectors is not only to give information regarding the wine and the grapevines, but also to recreate the atmosphere that involves the production of wine, presenting to the visitor the modern and traditional tools connected to the wine production.
Address. Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes 431, basement (Tourism Activities Centre-CAT).
Opening Hours. Everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ( Closed on Tuesdays).
Free Entrance
t. +853.8798.4188
f. +853.2870.6076
Bus Routes. 1A, 3, 3A, 10, 10A, 10B,12, 17, 23, 28A, 28B, 28C,32.
Grand Prix Museum
The Macau Grand Prix started in 1954 and includes a number of automobile and motorbike races and takes place every year in November. The Museum pays tribute to individuals who contributed extensively to the success of the Grand Prix. Come and discover the Grand Prix Museum, where a collection of magnificent machines that raced and won the Guia circuit represents the history of one of the most exciting world races.
Address. Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes, 431, basement (Tourism Activities Centre-CAT).
Opening Hours. Everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays).
Free Entrance
t. +853.8798.4108
f. +853.2870.6076
Bus Routes. 1A, 3,3A,10,10A,10B,12,17,23,28A,28B,28C,32.
Macau Museum of Art
Under the management of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Macau Museum of Art is the only art museum in Macau, and provides the largest space dedicated to visual arts. The artistic works and cultural artifacts include Chinese Calligraphy and Paintings, Seals, Ceramics, Copperwares, Western paintings, Contemporary Arts, Photography artworks, and other significant collections.
A gallery on the first and ground floor displays art from overseas artists and contemporary artists in Macau.
Address. The Macau Cultural Centre, Avenida Xian Xing Hai, s/n, Nape, Macau
Opening Hours of Museum. 10:00 to 19:00 (tickets are only available up to 18:30). Closed on Mondays. Opened on public holidays.;
Tickets. Adults: MOP5.00; student (with valid student card): Mop2.00; children (under 12 years old) & elderly people (over 65 years old): free; free admission on Sundays & public holidays. A group of 10 or above: Mop2.00 per person.
Opening Hours of Library. 14:00 to 19:00, Tuesday to Friday; 11:00 to 19:00, Saturday and Sunday; closed on Mondays and public holidays.
t. +853.8791.9814 or 8791.9800 or 8791 9802
f. +853.2875.1317
e. artmuseum@iacm.gov.mo
w. http://www.artmuseum.gov.mo/
Bus Routes. 1A, 8, 12, 17, 23
Handover Gifts Museum of Macau
The Handover Gifts Museum of Macau is located next to the Macau Cultural Centre in Avenida Xian Xing Hai (NAPE). The location of the Museum is also the area that was used for the Handover Ceremony on 20th December 1999 in which Macau was returned to the Mainland. When the hall was dismantled after the ceremony the area became part of the Macau Cultural Centre. The Handover Gifts Museum of Macau was opened December 2004. The main aim of the Museum is to commemorate the handover for its significance in Macau’s modern history. The inauguration of the Museum on the 5th anniversary of the handover is also indeed significant and momentous.
Address. Avenida Xian Xing Hai, s/n, Nape, Macau
Opening Hours. 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (tickets are only available up to 18:30, closed on Mondays.)
t. +853.8504.1800
w. http://handovermuseum.iacm.gov.mo
Treasure of Sacred Art in the St. Dominic’s Church
The Portuguese Dominicans built the Church of S. Domingos (St. Dominic’s) during the decade of 1590 together with a convent, which no longer exists. The temple is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. In the beginning it was built of wood but during the 17th century it was replaced by an imposing construction which included three naves. In the 18th century it receives the influence of the colonial baroque together with decorative motives characteristic of this region, a fact which contributes to its original features.
Treasure of Sacred Art in the St. Dominic’s Church is now located in the buildings adjacent to the church and it has been opened to visitors since 1997. When the Religious Orders were abolished in Portugal in 1834, the temple received a great number of sacred art pieces that are presently shown in this museum, which occupies what is left of the ancient cloister and also some other rooms connected to the church.
Address. S. Domingos Square (next to Senado Square).
Opening Hours. Everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free Entrance
t. +853.2836.7706
Bus Routes. 2,3,3A,4,5,6,7,10,10A,11,18,19,21,21A,26,26A,33
Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt
The Museum of Sacred Art includes objects of high historical and artistic value, dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It is worth noting the beautiful collection of Sino-Portuguese crucifixes made of ivory, wood and silver, as well as a large number silver objects. The statues and the sacred paintings are also very interesting, many of them in Indo-Portuguese style. Visitors should notice St. Michael Archangel, of the 17th century (painted according the western techniques and models by a Japanese disciple of the Jesuit Giovanni Nicollo), not only because of its antiquity and imposing figure but also because it is the only work of the ancient college having survived the fire.
Address. St. Paul’s Ruins.
Opening Hours: Everyday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free Entrance
Bus Routes. 2,3,3A,4,5,6,7,8A,10,10A,11,17,18,19,21,21A,26,26A,33.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s Memorial House in Macau
Sun Yat Sen was the mentor and driving force of the Chinese republican revolution, which overthrew the weak regime of the Qing Dynasty. A charismatic personality that unites the Chinese soul, he is therefore considered as the “Father of the Nation”. This place bears witness to his short but significant stay in Macau in the beginning of the century when, while fleeing the power of the imperial mandarins, he tried to move his supporters in order to establish a new regime in China. In Macau he received the support of some friends, at the time important and powerful persons in the political and social life of Macau.
Address. Av. Sidonio Pais (opposite the police station).
Opening Hours. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays).
Free Entrance
t. +853.2857.4064
Bus Routes. 2,4,9,9A,12,18,19,22,25.
Lin Zexu Memorial Museum of Macau
This small museum is located near the Lin Fong Temple and commemorates the visit of the imperial commissioner Lin Zexu to Macau on the 3rd of September 1839 (during the reign of the Emperor Dao Guang). The aim of the visit was to ensure both the prohibition of the opium trade in the Territory administered by the Portuguese authorities and the Portuguese neutrality in the differences that opposed Great Britain to China and which would lead to the Opium War. This war would result in the opening of a number of Chinese ports to the international commerce and to the cession of the Hong Kong Island to the British.
The documents of this museum consist mostly of photographs, bearing witness to that highly tense period in the history of modern China, a cycle which is now coming to its end.
Address. Av. Almirante Lacerda, near the Canidrome Dog Race Compound and at the foot of the Mong Ha Hill.
Opening Hours. Everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays).
Tickets. Macau residents – average: 5 patacas;* under 8 and over 65: 3 patacas.
t. +853.2855.0166
Bus Routes. 1,4,5,8,10,23,25,26A, 28B,32.
Churches
Ruins of St. Paul’s
All that remains of the greatest of Macau’s churches is its magnificent stone facade and grand staircase. The church was built in 1602 adjoining the Jesuit College of St. Paul’s, the first Western college in the Far East where missionaries such as Matteo Ricci and Adam Schall studied Chinese before serving at the Ming Court in Beijing as astronomers and mathematicians. The church, made of taipa and wood, was brilliantly decorated and furnished, according to early travelers. The facade of carved stone was built in 1620-27 by Japanese Christian exiles and local craftsmen under the direction of Italian Jesuit Carlo Spinola.
After the expulsion of the Jesuits, the college was used as an army barracks and in 1835 a fire started in the kitchens and destroyed the college and the body of the church. The surviving facade rises in 4 colonnaded tiers, and is covered with carvings and statues which eloquently illustrate the early days of the Church in Asia. There are statues of the Virgin and saints, symbols of the Garden of Eden and the Crucifixion, angels and the devil, a Chinese dragon and a Japanese chrysanthemum, a Portuguese sailing ship and pious warnings inscribed in Chinese.
After restoration work, lasting from 1990 to 1995, the back side of the Ruins of St. Paul’s was turned into a museum. The ruins are regarded as the symbol of Macau and now offer visitors a new site where they can view the remains of the former Church of the Mother of God, visit a Crypt where the relics of the Martyrs of Japan and Vietnam rest, and a museum of Sacred Art where there are exhibits of paintings, sculptures and liturgical objects from churches and monasteries in the City.
Our Lady of Guia
This chapel was first built in the 17th century as part of the Guia Fortress. The present chapel dates from 1637, containing the image of the Virgin and a fine old painting of St. John the Baptist. During the restoration of the chapel in 1996, the oldest vestige of paintings that dates back to the construction of the hermitage in 1622 were founded. The murals are characterized by Oriental and Occidentals symbols.
Penha Hill
The first chapel was founded in 1622 by the crew and passengers of a ship which had narrowly escaped capture by the Dutch. The chapel served as a point of pilgrimage for sailors embarking on a hazardous voyage.
The chapel was completely rebuilt, along with the Bishop’ s Palace in 1837. It is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
St. Francis Xavier (Coloane)
Built in 1928, this chapel follows the baroque style of Macau’s major churches. It has a cream and white facade with oval windows and a bell tower. It stands behind the monument commemorating the local victory over pirates in 1910.
The chapel contains some of the most sacred relics of Christian Asia. In a silver reliquary is a bone from the arm of St. Francis Xavier, who followed his missionary successes in Japan by coming to the China coast, where he died in 1552 on Sanchuan Island, 50 miles from Macau. The relic was destined for Japan but religious persecution there persuaded the church to keep it in Macau’s St. Paul’s. It was moved first to St. Joseph’s and in 1978 to the chapel.
Chapel of St. James
This tiny chapel built in 1740 in the Barra Fort on the top of the peninsula is now an architectural part of the Portuguese inn, or pousada, which has been established on the foundations of the fort. It is a charming sanctuary with a statue of the saint and blue and white tiles depicting Our Lady of Fátima and the saintly Queen Isabel. St. James is the military protector of Macau, and legend tells that he frequently goes on patrol around the city, and, at times, his boots are found to be muddy. A soldier used to be given the duty of cleaning the boots of the statue. On one occasion the man forgot his duty it is said and received a crack on the head from the saint’s sword.
Chapel of St. Michael
Set in the beautiful, landscaped Catholic Cemetery, this small chapel, built in 1875, is one of the best maintained buildings in Macau. Its exterior is painted green and white. A stained-glass window filters coloured light into the chapel.
Our Lady of Carmel
Built in 1885, this church stands on a hill overlooking the sea, Taipa Village and the restored mansions of Old Taipa Praia.
St. Dominic’s Church
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. Inside, white pillars support a flat ceiling and apron balconies trim the walls. The great baroque alter contains a cream and white statue of the Virgin and Child and a painting of Christ. The church has a fine collection of exquisitely-carved ivory and wood saints.
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 1st, 2nd and 3rd floor. The museum shows paintings, sculptures and liturgical ornaments that illustrate the history of the Roman Catholic church in Asia.
St. Lawrence’s Church
Today the most fashionable church in Macau, St. Lawrence’s Church was first built of wood in the 1560’s, replaced by Taipa in 1618 and reconstructed in stone 1801-3. Further renovations took place throughout the 19th century.
The church is an imposing structure, standing in a garden filled with palm trees. It can be approached from the rear or, by way of a grand staircase and ornamental gate. Painted in cream and white, St. Lawrence’s Church has twin towers, one of which was once an ecclesiastic prison, and a fine Chinese tile roof.
The interior is richly decorated. It has a magnificent wooden ceiling painted turquoise with white and gold beams, from which hang elegant chandeliers. The high alter contains a handsome figure of St. Lawrence in gorgeous vestments. Above him hangs a crown held by a cherub and behind is a stained glass window with a dove of peace. Over the window is a wooden lamb.
It is open 10 am till 6 pm daily, except Mondays, 1 pm to 2 pm.
Temples
A-Ma Temple (Barra point)
Macau’s name is derived from A-Ma-Gau or Place of A-Ma and this temple dedicated to the seafarers’ goddess dates from the early 16th century.
According to legend, A-Ma, a poor girl looking for passage to Canton, was refused by the wealthy junk owners but a lowly fisherman took her on board. A storm blew up and wrecked all but the boat carrying the girl.
On arrival in Macau she vanished, to reappear as a goddess, on the spot where the fishermen built her temple.
It consists of prayer halls, pavilions and courtyards built into the boulder-strewn hill and connected by winding paths through moon gates and tiny gardens. At the entrance is a large rock on which is engraved a traditional sailing junk. On other boulders are carved red characters invoking the gods or repeating a prayer.
Three of the four pavilions are dedicated to A-Ma and contain some fine statues of the goddess together with a model of a junk with cannons, brass vessels and chapels to Buddhist and Taoist gods. The top shrine honours Kun Iam. This temple is distinguished by beautiful tiled roofs and spectacular views from the upper gardens. The festival of A-Ma takes place on the 23rd day of the 3rd moon (April or May).
Firecrackers, to scare away evil spirits, are exploded in the entrance courtyard to greet tour groups and lions dances are performed here on weekends.
Kun Iam Tong
This Buddhist temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy was founded in the 13th century and the present buildings date from 1627. It is one of the biggest and wealthiest of Macau’s temples with a huge entrance gate and roofs clustered with porcelain figures. Separated by open courtyards are richly decorated halls dedicated to the Precious Buddhas, the Buddha of Longevity and Kun Iam, who is dressed in embroiled silk with a fringed crown (which is changed every year). She is attended by 18 Buddhas on either side of the altar. In adjoining rooms are funeral chapels and scrolls honoring Kun Iam in pictures and calligraphy.
Behind the temple are terraced gardens. In one is the stone table on which was signed the first Sino-American treaty on July 3, 1844, by the Viceroy of Canton Ki Ying and the United States Minister Caleb Cushing. Nearby is the marble statue of a monk in an ornate pavilion, and four ancient banyan trees with branches intertwined which is known as the Lovers Tree and a symbol of marital fidelity.
In other parts of the garden are fountains shaped like miniature Chinese landscapes, groves of bamboo and small shrines to departed priests. The festival of Kun Iam is celebrated on the 19th day of second, sixth, ninth and 11th moons.
Lin Fung Miu (Lotus Temple)
Built in 1592 and most regularly restored, this Temple of the Lotus has a fine facade of intricate clay bas-relief carved in the 19th century depicting historical and mythological figures. Stone lions guard the entrance. Inside is a hall with a statue of Tin Hau on the altar, flanked by the guardian generals. Beyond is a courtyard decorated with a frieze of writhing dragons, a lotus filled pond and fine iron brazier. The main hall is dedicated to Kun Iam, whose statue occupies an elaborate altar. Aside altar has a shrine to Kwan Tai. The temple’s ceiling is a particularly good example of the black beams and exposed white tiles construction.
Lin Fung Miu is historically famous as the place where for centuries Chinese Mandarins from Guangdong Province would stay when they came to Macau. The most renowned visitor was Commissioner Lin Zexu, who spent most of September 3rd 1839 in Macau. He is honoured with a six-foot granite statue and a new museum in the temple courtyard.
Lin Kai Miu (Stream of Mourning Temple)
Dating from the 17th century, this temple occupies a square off Estrada do Repouso in the Patane district, where a regular flea market is held. The temple has facade with some fine granite carvings on the walls and ridgepole and large Chinese lion statues on the roof.
The main hall is dedicated to Ua Kuong, the dark-faced god who protects against fire. He is attended by Thousand-Li Eye and Favourable-Wind Ear. In one adjoining hall are goddesses associated with childbirth and rearing. Along the walls are 18 statues of goddesses with children, brightly coloured and expressive clay figures of the 60′ year’ gods. In another hall is a row of six Buddhist pusas. Kun Iam in her fringed-veil head-dress is worshipped in one of the halls where she shares an altar with a statue of Kwan Tai. A further hall is dedicated to the Monkey God, a popular character from Taoist mythology and hero of the literary epic monkey. The Lin Kai Temple supports a hospital and poor people’s home. The festival of Ua Kuong is celebrated on the 28th day of the ninth moon.
Hong Kung Miu
This temple stands in the bustling market square between Rua das Estalagens and Rua de Cinco de Outubro. Built in 1750, and restored several times afterwards, it is dedicated to the God of War and Riches, Kwan Tai, who sits on the altar flanked by images of his son and his standard bearer. There are two side altars and a large area which the keeper and his family use as a living room. The table for offerings has an excellent carved front. The festival of Kwan Tai is celebrated on the 13th day of the fifth moon (in May) and 24th day of the sixth moon (in June).
Pou Tai Un
Pou Tai Un on Taipa Island is one of the best-endowed and most picturesque temples in Macau. It was founded in the 19th century by Buddhist monks and the original prayers hall contains images of the three Precious Buddhas. Since then, both the monastery and temples have been extended and enriched by devotees.
There are new pavilions with soaring yellow-tile roofs and an elegant status of Kun Iam on a marble-columned terrace.
The monks live in adjoining building. When not busy with prayers, they tend a large vegetable garden and operate a vegetarian restaurant where some of the produce is prepared.
Whether vegetarian or not, visitors will enjoy this casual verandah cafe, where the freshness of the ingredients is matched by the imaginative preparation and wide range of dishes.
Beer and soft drinks are available and prices are very low.
t. +853.2811 007
Tam Kung Miu
This temple, with a fine toll roof decorated with porcelain figures, is dedicated to Tam Kung, a Taoist god of seafarers. Beside his image, the temple contains a four feet long model of a dragon boat made from a whalebone, with a crew of wooden men in red robes and yellow hats.
There is also a dramatic mural of a tiger with club, big-eyed and orange striped, against a background of rocks and twisted pines.
There are two temples dedicated to Tin Hau in Coloane village. The larger, on Largo Tin Hau Miu has, at its entrance, a traditional fire engine, which had to be wheeled by hand. A short distance away, off Travessa da República, is a smaller temple, with some brilliant gilded carvings over the entrance and a moongate facing the sea.
Tai Soi Miu (Temple of the Sleeping Buddha)
Built over 200 years ago, this temple is located in the old bazaar area behind Camões Garden, close to the Kiang Vu Hospital on Rua Coelho do Amaral. It is very popular, especially among women who come with offerings to the goddesses of fertility and child rearing that occupy one side chapel. There is also a fine collection of year gods and prayer halls dedicated to Pau Kung, Taoist god of justice, and Kun Iam. Up a flight of steps and through a moongate is the main altar, with the image of the Sleeping Buddha, a small, gilded figure lying chin on hand. More steep steps lead to a shrine to Chung Kwei, Controller of Devils.
Sam Kai Vui Kun (Kuan Tai Temple)
The temple is situated on the site of the old Macao bazaar, whose sign still exists. Originally it was a meeting place for merchants, and was very important to the local Chinese community. Prior to the establishment of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Macao in 1912, the area surrounding the temple was the centre of Chinese trading in Macao. After the decline of the bazaar, the temple rose to importance in this area.
Address. Rua Sui do Mercado de São Domingos
Opening Hours. 08:00 – 18:00
Na Tcha Temple
This temple was built in 1888 and dedicated to Na Cha in an attempt to halt the Plague rampaging at the time. In contrast to buildings such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s around it, the Na Tcha Temple is only a small structure, built with simple materials, but the use of a mixture of reality and illusion in its design manages successfully to create a sense of delicacy and exquisiteness.
Opening Hours. 08:00 – 17:00
Fortresses
Mount Fortress
Mount Fortress, built in 1617-26, occupies a hilltop to the east of the ruins of St. Paul’s. It was constructed by the Jesuits as part of a complex which also included the college and church of St. Paul’s. The canons were used only once, when the Dutch invaded Macau in 1622. This was also the first residence of the governors of Macau. Over the following decades trees grew from the platform of the fort, which was transformed into a public park where residents and visitors came to enjoy the views. The only building was an office of the Meteorological Department until 1998 when the three-level Macau Museum, focusing on the history of Macau, was built into the fortress hill.
Mong-Há Fort
Mong Há Fort, situated on Mong Há Hill at the northern end of Macau, is a newer fortress built in anticipation of a Chinese invasion following the Anglo-Chinese War in 1841. It was completed in 1866 and was in active service until the 1960’s, when it was abandoned. Today the area has been turned into a park with flowerbeds, grassy slopes and walkways surrounding the old fortress walls. It provides a quiet refuge for people living in the nearby neighborhoods, and good views of the north end of the city.
Guia Fortress
Guia Fortress, built in 1637-38, occupies the top of Guia Hill, the highest point in Macau. It was designed to defend Macau from attacks from the sea, but because of its position overlooking the entire city, its chief value has been as an observation post. It originally contained barracks, a water cistern, ammunition and equipment stores, the commander’s house, and a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Guia. Today the Fort’s most prominent feature is the lighthouse, built in 1865 and the oldest on the China coast. It is 91 metres high and has a light which can be seen for around 20 miles in clear weather. Near the lighthouse is the chapel which contains an image of the Virgin Mary, a few antique pictures, and vestiges of paintings that date back to the construction of the chapel in 1626. Also nearby is a post where signals are hoisted to warn of an approaching typhoon. In earlier times storm warnings were announced from the bell-tower of the chapel.
Opening Hours. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays, except public holidays).
Free Entrance
t. +853.8394.3703 or 8988.4000
Barra Fort (Fortress of S. Tiago da Barra)
Completed in 1629 on the site of an older cannon battery, Barra fort successfully protected the bar at the entrance to the Inner Harbour against the Dutch in 1622. Such credit was given to the fort, that between the 17th and 18th centuries, the commander of the fort was chosen directly by the king of Portugal and was not under the orders of the Macau governor or the captain general. The fort was described as a small town, built into the hills on the tip of the peninsula. The 30-feet chunambo walls, rising from stone foundations, were 19 feet thick at the base and 11 feet at the top.
Other
Taipa Village
Chinese shop houses, Portuguese-style offices, small temples and a former firecracker factory share the narrow streets and alleys of this busy, colorful village. Hanging flower baskets and old-fashioned street lamps make it an appealing place to stroll, and the numerous restaurants along the Rua da Cunha (known as Food Street) are popular destinations for Portuguese, Macanese, Chinese, or Italian cuisine.
Coloane Village
The heart of Coloane Village is the central square where the bus stop is located as well as several restaurants and the popular Lord Stow’s Bakery. The village itself stretches north to the junk-building yards and the old ferry pier, and south along the waterfront promenade to the Tam Kung temple, dedicated to the Taoist God of Seafarers. Halfway along the waterfront is the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier and its picturesque Portuguese-style square, with busy cafes under the shelter of the arcades.
Beaches
Both Cheoc Van Beach and Hác-Sá Beach are popular with swimmers and sunbathers. The water is clean although it often appears brown because of silt from the Pearl River. Cheoc Van Beach occupies a sheltered cove on the west side of Coloane Island. At one end is a sandy swimming beach with changing facilities and a snack bar, and at the other is a free-form swimming pool. The Nautical Club, a marina where members keep various types of recreational watercraft, is near the beach. There is also a youth hostel, a pousada (inn), and two restaurants with terraces overlooking the water.
Beyond Cheoc Van is Hác-Sá Beach, where the long beach, with its unique black-tinged sand (”hac sa” means “black sand”) invites walking by the sea. Along the beach are a youth hostel, the Youth Centre for Water Sports, and a sports complex with an Olympic-size swimming pool, children’s pool, tennis courts, and a sports field. There are also playgrounds, picnic and camping areas, and a variety of snack stands, cafes, and restaurants.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is a 111,500 sqm park and the first-ever cultural, themed and creative attraction in the tourism industry of Macau. It is centrally located in the outer harbour and it is not purely a theme park, but also combines dining, shopping, entertainment, accommodation, convention and exhibition facilities in one single location which takes just a 5-minute walk from the Macau-HK Ferry Terminal and Heliport.
Be it for business or pleasure, visitors are able to find a brand new experience in this entertainment complex.
Address. Avenida da Amizade e Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, Macau
Free Entrance
t. +853.8299.3300
f. +853.8299.3581
e. info@fishermanswharf.com.mo
w. http://www.fishermanswharf.com.mo
“Leal Senado” Building
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.
Senado Square
The Senado square is 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.
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.
Nam Van Lake Cybernetic Fountain
Spectacular shows of cascading water and light can be seen on Nam Van Lake opposite the Headquarters of the Government of Macau SAR. The fountain, constructed by a Portuguese- Spanish company, was moved from the Reservoir to this new site since March 1999. It is equipped with 86 spouts and lit by 288 colored spotlights. The tallest water jet reaches 80 meters in height.
Timetable of Nam Van Lake Cybernetic Fountain
Laser Performance
Saturday to Sunday: 20:30-21:00, 21:30-22:00
Additional performances will be held in New Year?s Day, Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas Holidays etc.
Music Performance
Monday to Friday:13:00-14:00, 18:00-19:00, 20:00-21:00, 21:30-22:00.
Saturday to Sunday:10:00-11:00, 13:00-14:00, 15:00-16:00, 18:00-19:00, 20:00-21:00, 21:30-22:00.
Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre
Soaring 338 meters above the city, the Macau Tower is the 10th highest freestanding tower in the world and the 8th tallest in Asia. It stands taller than Auckland’s Sky Tower, Paris’ Eiffel and Sydney’s AMP Tower. The Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre (MTCEC) fronts onto the Pearl River and the Nam Van Lake development.
4 levels including, A double-height Main Observation Level (including 2 glass floor areas)
A Tower Restaurant (revolving restaurant)
An Outdoor Observation Deck
The Tower dominates the skyline and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Macau cityscape, China, the Pearl River and even some islands of Hong Kong on a clear day.
The Tower Pod anchoring at 223m above ground houses four public accessed levels, starting from the double-height Main Observation Level with a cafe, a Tower Restaurant seating 250 persons which takes 60 minutes to make one revolution, and an Outdoor Observation Deck where visitors can enjoy the fresh air at a height of 233 m above ground level.
With Thanks. Macau Government Tourist Office
Originally posted 2006-11-26 20:03:44.
Related Posts
- Venetian Macao Opening A Massive Step For Macau
This month's opening of The Venetian Macao hotel-casino in the Chinese gambling enclave is the culmination of three quarters of... - Macau's Gambling Problem
As we mentioned before, there is too much of a good thing in Macau! A small population of 508,000 with... - Series of Articles About Macau
The Las Vegas Sun send their two reporters Jeff Simpson and Richard N. Velotta to Macau to attend the opening...
- High Stakes Are Being Played in Macau
On a sultry June morning in Macau, casino billionaire Stanley Ho strode into the Venetian, the gambling palace of American arch rival Sheldon Adelson, and... - Top Travel Places to Go in 2010
reprinted from New York Times 2. Patagonia Wine Country Ten years ago, a group of adventurous winemakers set their sights on an Argentine valley called... - Hong Kong Jockey Club Loses Out to Glitzy Macau Casinos
The 124-year-old Hong Kong Jockey Club, whose racetrack revenues are one of the secrets of the territory's economic success, is facing a decidedly modern threat:...
