Macau Historic Centre - A Fusion of Chinese and Western Cultures

The Historic Centre of Macau is a historical district centered around the old city. It is connected by adjacent squares and streets and includes more than 20 historical buildings. Due to the blend of Chinese and Western cultures, most of the buildings in the city possess a unique fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles.

It is advisable to start the exploration of this historic area from the A-Ma Temple, a local ancient temple where one can purchase two peace talismans. To the left of the A-Ma Temple lies the Maritime Administration Building, showcasing an exotic architectural style worth observing.

Continuing forward past A-Ma Street, one will encounter the Zheng Family Estate, which is an excellent example of the Lingnan Chinese courtyard structure combined with Western-style carved windows. The area in front of the Yame Temple is also a popular filming location for many TV shows and movies.

Proceeding through Gaolou Street to Fongsan Street, one will see the St. Lawrence’s Church, which is imbued with a strong exotic ambiance. It has pointed roofs covered in colored glaze tiles, a cross in the middle of the gate tower, and bell towers on both sides. It is also worth stepping inside to take a look.

Walking back to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, one can reach the St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church. The church’s tall tower on the right features bells of varying sizes. Visitors can also stroll around the nearby Fok Lok Street area. This area is also known as the ‘Red Door’, marked by the two-story buildings with red doors and windows along the street, which is quite distinctive.Turning right at Guia Square, visitors will encounter the Guia Fortress, the Ho Tung Library, and St. Augustine’s Church. These landmarks are in close proximity to one another, exuding a strong European ambiance that makes them perfect for capturing commemorative photos. Adjacent to Avenida da Praia Grande, the General Post Office Building stands prominently. During summer visits, the sunlight bouncing off the walls around the square creates a unique, beautiful pink hue, offering a delightful spot to rest.

Directly across from the General Post Office Building is Senado Square, an ideal place for a leisurely stroll and to purchase souvenirs. Heading left from the Holy House of Mercy leads to St. Lawrence’s Church, adorned with numerous religious murals for appreciation. From there, one can proceed directly to the Lu Jia Mansion, situated on the right side of the Ruins of St. Paul’s. This building is a fascinating blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles and is well worth a visit.

To the left of the Lu Jia Mansion’s Banzhang Tang Square, one finds the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, which features two couplets at its entrance, giving off a distinctly Chinese atmosphere. Following the Ruins of St. Paul’s in front of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary along Sanba Street, one will reach the end of the street where the Ruins of St. Paul’s Arch stands as a landmark attraction, a must-visit for a photo opportunity. Please note that opening hours and business status are subject to the actual situation on the day.

Essential tips for your visit: It typically takes a full day to explore the Historic Centre of Macau. Convenience stores are scarce along the route, so remember to bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout your journey.Engaging in civilized tourism is essential when visiting ancient buildings. To preserve these historical sites, please be mindful of the following guidelines:

1. Do not litter.
2. Avoid making loud noises.

By adhering to these simple rules, we can all contribute to the preservation and enjoyment of these architectural treasures for future generations.