Chapel Of St James

The Chapel of St. James is a small church within the walls of the Pousada de Santiago, a famous historic hotel in Macau.

The church was built in 1740 in honour of Macau’s military protector, known for travelling around the city to patrol it.

Chapel Of St James, Barra Fort, History, Photos, Address, Macau

The chapel houses a St. James icon inside, where worshippers come to pray within a cave. Outside, the beautiful and tranquil area has become a preferred route for runners and joggers to pass by. It hardly gets crowded, making it a lovely destination for those who want to see off-the-beaten-path attractions or go for a run.

While visiting the Chapel of St. James, be sure to allocate some time to discover the Pousada de Santiago. It was built in the 17^th century originally to serve as a Portuguese fortress to help defend Macau from pirate attacks and invasions from Europe. It has been restored through the centuries and is now a stunning hotel, filled with charming and elegant colonial details that tell of Macau’s rich history, including the chapel. The hotel is relatively small, so you can be sure of an intimate and memorable stay in a quiet part of town where you can enjoy peace and quiet.

The area is in a sleepy corner of the Macau Peninsula, though it’s easily accessible to the busy city centre and casinos of the country. Consider it a wonderful option for a quick escape.

From here, you can walk to the A-Ma Temple and other noteworthy attractions, including the Maritime Museum and the Gate of Understanding. Other attractions nearby include The Our Lady of Penha Chapel, Macau Tower and Entertainment Center, and the Hotel Ritz.