Historic Centre of Macao

Background

The Historic Centre of Macao lies in the old city of the Macao Peninsula, centred on the parishes of Santo António and São Lourenço. The Portuguese were permitted to settle in Macao in 1557, and Macao returned to China in 1999. The Historic Centre was inscribed on the World Heritage List on 15 July 2005 (criteria ii, iii, iv and vi) and comprises 22 buildings and 8 squares. It remains a living city: churches still hold Mass and temples still receive incense every day. The Ruins of St. Paul's are the front wall of the Jesuit Church of St. Paul. The church was first built in 1565 and the surviving façade dates from 1602–1640; after a fire during a typhoon on 26 January 1835, only this granite façade remained, and it was restored in 1990–1995. About 26 m high and Baroque in style, its carvings combine European biblical subjects, Japanese chrysanthemums, Chinese dragons, Portuguese ships and other motifs. It stands in the parish of Santo António. A-Ma Temple is dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu (Tin Hau). According to guide materials it was built in 1488, before the Portuguese arrived in Macao; it is described as having six parts: the gate pavilion, the prayer hall, the memorial arch, Hongren Hall, the Zen pavilion and Guanyin Hall. A popular story says that when the Portuguese first arrived and asked the name of the place, residents answered "Ma Kok" (妈阁, A-Ma's pavilion), which became the name "Macau" — but this is folklore, not settled fact. Senado Square is paved with black-and-white Portuguese cobblestones in a wave pattern; together with the Leal Senado building (described as the former seat of the Portuguese municipal council) and the surrounding Portuguese-style buildings, it forms the heart of the scene. The square is the hub for walking around the old city and is free to enter.

Local customs

Walk through the Historic Centre linking the three sites: offer incense and pray at A-Ma Temple, take photos in front of the Ruins of St. Paul's, and try Portuguese snacks and shop for local treats at Senado Square. On the way you can also climb Mount Fortress, also part of the Historic Centre, for a view over the old city.

Travel tips

• All three sites are in the old city of the Macao Peninsula and can be linked on foot
• the outdoor areas of the square and the Ruins of St. Paul's are free
• summers are hot and rainy, so bring rain gear and drinking water. The Macao Peninsula is small and walking is the best way to explore, though buses and taxis also connect the sites. After arriving in Macao by ferry from Hong Kong or through the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge port, you can transfer to a bus or taxi
• fares and schedules are as officially published.
• You can visit all year round
• October to March is cool and dry and best for walking
• summers are rainy, so watch the forecast during typhoon season.