The Historic Centre of Macau
World Heritage Listing Celebrates Macau's Architectural History
Feb 4, 2009
The centre of Macau, with its neo-classical, colonnaded buildings and traditional Chinese architecture, showcases over 400 years of interaction between the western world and Chinese civilization. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2005, the 25 sites included in the Historic Centre of Macau shows there is more to the city than gambling.
A-Ma Temple
The oldest building in Macau, the A-Ma Temple was first documented in 1555 by explorer Mendes Pinto.
Moorish Barracks
The Moorish Barracks were built in 1874 to house an Indian regiment sent from Goa to reinforce Macau’s police force.
Lilau Square
Lilau Square, once the main source of natural spring water in Macau, lies in one of the first Portuguese residential quarters of the city.
Mandarin’s House
Built in 1881, this traditional Chinese house was the home of Chinese author Zheng Guanying.
St Lawrence’s Church
Although its present appearance dates to 1846, the church was originally built by the Jesuits in the sixteenth century and is one of the three oldest churches in Macau.
St Joseph’s Seminary and Church
Founded by the Jesuits in 1728, this seminary trained hundreds of missionaries, while the adjacent church is a prime example of baroque architecture in China.
St Augustine’s Square
The square, bordered by a number of World Heritage buildings, provides a traditionally Portuguese streetscape.
Dom Pedro V Theatre
The Dom Pedro V Theatre, the first Western-style theatre in China, first opened in 1860.
Sir Robert Ho Tung Library
Originally the residence of Dona Carolina Cunha, the building was bought in 1918 by Hong Kong businessman Sir Robert Ho Tung. On his death the building was presented to the Macau government for conversion into a public library.
St Augustine’s Church
First established in 1591, the church still organises the city’s Easter Procession.
“Leal Senado” – or ”Loyal Senate” - Building
Built in 1784, Macau’s municipal chamber revels in the name derived from the title bestowed on the city by Portugal’s King Dom John IV in 1654: “City of Our Name of God Macau, There is None More Loyal”.
Senado Square
The civic centre of Macau, Senado Square is a piece of the Mediterranean transplanted to southern China, complete with colonnades and neo-classical, cream-colored buildings.
Sam Kai Vui Kun Temple
Also known as Kuan Tai, the temple was originally a meeting place for merchants.
Holy House of Mercy
The Holy House of Mercy has focused on charity since its foundation by the first bishop of Macau in 1569. The current neo-classical building overlooking Senado Square was completed in 1905.
Cathedral
The somewhat stern façade of the Cathedral dates back to at least the seventeenth century.
Lou Kau Mansion
An example of a traditional Chinese house in the centre of the city, the Lou Kau mansion illustrates the mix of east and west that is so central to Macau’s heritage.
St Dominic’s Church
Founded in 1587, St Dominic’s Church later became the site of the first Portuguese newspaper to be printed on Chinese soil.
Ruins of St Paul’s
The imposing façade known as the Ruins of St Paul’s is all that is left of the Church of Mater Dei, built between 1602 and 1640, and the adjacent St Paul’s College. The structures were destroyed in a fire in 1835.
Na Tcha Temple
Dedicated to the worship of Na Tcha, this small Chinese temple was built in 1888.
Section of the Old City Walls
A surviving segment of the old city walls, dating back to 1569, can be found behind the Ruins of St Paul’s.
Mount Fortress
Built in the seventeenth century, Mount Fortress was Macau’s main defence structure, complete with cannons, barracks and an arsenal that held sufficient supplies to endure a siege lasting up to two years.
St Anthony’s Church
St Anthony’s Church marks the site where the Jesuits set up their earliest headquarters in the city.
Casa Garden
Currently the headquarters of the Oriental Foundation, the house and its extensive gardens were originally built in 1770 for a wealthy Portuguese merchant.
Protestant Cemetery
The final resting place of luminaries such as the artist George Chinnery, the Protestant Cemetery provides an insight into Macau’s diverse history.
Guia Fortress
The Guia Fortress, built between 1622 and 1638, is also home to the Guia Chapel and the Guia Lighthouse, the first modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast.
A map of the Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage trail can be obtined at the Macao Government Tourist Office. There are branches at both the Hong Kong and Macau ferry terminals.
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