Historic Centre of Macau

Historic Centre of Macau was formed in the middle of 16th century when the Portuguese began to settle and trade in the southwest area of the Macau peninsula. Macau subsequently developed into a main port in China open to the outside world before the 19th century. It was also an important international port in Asia.

With its prosperity in international trading, Macau attracted more people to settle there from countries around the world. These people brought their different cultures, their social customs, and their religions to this area and built houses, churches, streets, fort and even a cemetery. This area is the core part of what is now called the Historic Centre of Macau.
St. Paul
Ruins of St Paul's Church
Municipal Council of Macau
Macau Municipal Council, Senaso Square
At the same time, these settlers introduced to their own countries, the cultures, religions and social customs of the Chinese people. Macau was a window by which foreign countries got to know about China. Macau became the land where China meets the cultures of the western world.

Throughout these 400 years, Macau has been the hub where cultures of the West and the East exchange. In Historic Centre of Macau, one can find the oldest and the best-preserved western-style buildings in China, in different architectural styles emerging after the Renaissance from Baroque to neo-classical. One can also find that the numerous western religious buildings exhibit various features of different religions. The architects of these western-style buildings absorbed the cultures of India and China and added these characteristics into their buildings, even the murals in the Guia Chapel were painted in Chinese style. The Chinese temples and residential buildings make the architectural style of this Historic Centre of Macau very diverse. Until today, people in this area have held their national beliefs and habits. They hold various celebrations to continue their different traditions and the combination of Chinese and Western cultures and elements.
A-Ma Temple
A-Ma Temple
Historical Center
Historical Area of Macau
The Historic Centre of Macau mainly has Portuguese unreligious architectures, some churches, some Chinese residential and religious buildings and some streets and squares connecting them. There are the Moorish Barracks, the Dom Pdro V Theatre, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, the Leal Senado Building, the Holy House of Mercy, the Section of the Old City Walls, the Mount Fortress, the Guia Fortress, the Guia Lighthouse and Lilau Square. One can also find St. Laurence's Church, St. Joseph's Seminary Building and Church, St. Augustine's Church, Cathedral Church, St. Dominic's Church, St. Paul's Ruins, St. Anthony's Church, the Protestant Cemetery and the Guia Chapel; the A-Ma Temple, Lou Kau Mansion, the Mandarin's House, Sam Kai Vui Kun Temple and N Tcha Temple.

The Historic Centre of Macau has the quintessence of the Chinese and the Western cultural exchange of more than 400 years, and provides a particular proof of the exchange of cultural, architectural and religious influences between the East and the West. Its unique value has made it to be included in the list of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage in 2005.
 

How to get to Historic Centre of Macau

1. Take bus 3, 3X, 4, 6A, 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, or N1A to Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro.
2. Take bus 2, 2A, 9, 9A, 12, 18, 18B, 22, 25, or 25B to Victory Garden.
- Last updated on Apr. 08, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on Historic Centre of Macau
Asked by Alan from SINGAPORE | Sep. 27, 2015 08:39Reply
Please recommend any good 4star hotels near Senado Square, Macau?
Answers (1)
Answered by Paco from SPAIN | Sep. 27, 2015 21:13
12Reply


Near the senado square, there are several four-star hotels, here list some for reference.
Hotel Beverly Plaza, Metropark Hotel, RIO Hotel.
Asked by First Time Macau from SAUDI ARABIA | Nov. 24, 2013 05:11Reply
First Macau Trip, about hotel
Hi, its my first time to go to that city. could you help me on the cheap / budget hotels I can choose from that is near all the tourist attractions there. I"ll be staying for 4 days.

thanks in advance
Answers (1)
Answered by Billy | Nov. 25, 2013 01:10
11Reply


Hotel Central is suggested for you.
Asked by Marly from INDONESIA | Oct. 13, 2013 12:37Reply
Where the cheapest inn in Senado? and where can we found the halal food around there ?
My classmates and i just planned to go to Macau on november for fieldtrip from campus, we're around 20 person. Can you give us some recomendation for the cheapest hostel or inn that could possibly contain around 20 person in near senado square ? and where can i found the halal food (no pork) for my friend who shouldn't eat pork at all. thankyouuu
Answers (1)
Answered by Allen from USA | Oct. 13, 2013 21:40
11Reply


I think the New Central Hotel near it is suggested for you.
For the halal food, I am sorry that I am not very clear. It is suggested ask the local people after u reach there.
Asked by Philippines from MELISSA | Oct. 05, 2013 13:39Reply
Where can i find a affordable hotel in macau? Because i will stay there for 5 days.
Answers (1)
Answered by Kelly from USA | Oct. 05, 2013 22:16
20Reply


I think the Victoria Hotel is suitable for you.
Asked by Winnie from SINGAPORE | Oct. 03, 2012 02:13Reply
Which is the best area to stay in Macau if I plan to visit all places for 2days?
Answers (1)
Answered by Josey | Oct. 05, 2012 22:26
01Reply


It is hard to tell you a specific location to stay for your trip. However, many attractions there can well feat your eyes.
First of all, you can go to Senado Square and the surrouding places. There you can not only have a good trip, but also go shopping.
In addition, Venetian, Casino Lisboa and Ruins of Saint Paul's are also suggested.
So you can find a place to stay near the places above-mentioned.
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