Macau is to be commended for the fact that, while it allows rampant development, it also takes care to preserve its past. The former Portuguese colony, now a Special Administrative Region of China, is packed with historic sites, with these five among the must-sees.
© Pop2nix | Dreamstime
Ruins of St. Paul
Macau’s most famous site is the façade of the Jesuit-built St. Paul’s College, destroyed by fire in 1835. The college was the first Western-style university in the Far East, and the façade is a fascinating mix of religious and Eastern symbolism.
© Jackmalipan | Dreamstime
A-Ma Temple
A-Ma Temple is Macau’s oldest temple, dating to 1488. The complex contains exquisitely preserved architecture and outstanding views.
© Dmitry Chulov | Dreamstime
Old City Wall
Only one section of the old Portuguese wall remains, and it dates to around 1569. The wall is an inventive mixture of clay, soil, sand, rice straw, crushed rocks and oyster shells called chunambo.
© Keng Po Leung | Dreamstime
Mount Fortress
Built by the Jesuits in the early 1600s to protect the city, the fortress still stands today. Views from the top stretch across the city of Macau.
© Hupeng | Dreamstime
Senado Square
Long the gathering place for Macanese citizens, Senado Square holds former Portuguese civic buildings pastel in color sporting well-preserved neo-Classical architecture. The square is constantly busy and has a Mediterranean feel.
Read This Next
Macau Beyond the Cotai Strip
Destination
Jun 9, 2015All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Nov 21, 2024Art Basel Happenings at Miami’s The Ritz-Carlton Hotels
Art Basel Miami Beach takes place Dec. 6–8. This iconic international art fair features works from worldwide established and emerging artists. To celebrate the event, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami, and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, host special programming with a focus on female artists.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Travel Goods
Nov 21, 2024Never Lose an Item Again with Apple’s New Share Item Location Feature
It’s your worst nightmare: Your plane is taxiing and you’re looking out the window, only to realize you’ve left your iPad or laptop in the airport. Thanks to a new feature from Apple, these fears can be allayed, ensuring we always know where our valuables are, whether traveling or at home.
Dining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
ShareThis