The Ruins of St. Paul’s are the most popular tourist landmarks in Macau, renowned for their long and rich history. It has been around for many centuries, and this attraction still continues to amaze visitors each...
Macau Historical
Macau’s historical attractions showcase another side of the country, far away from its glamourous casinos, luxury hotels and glitzy skyscrapers.
They are a peek into the rich past, many of which are hundreds of centuries old, yet still standing today to tell the story of Macau’s history, especially their years under the Portuguese administration.
Macau Historical Attractions, Famous Sites, Landmarks & Buildings
The A-Ma Temple is one of the most famous ancient relics in town. It’s the oldest temple of Macau, dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of fishermen and seafarers. The elaborately-designed temple was built in 1488, and it features a Memorial Arch, Gate Pavilion, Hall of Guanyin, Hall of Benevolence, Prayer Hall, and a Buddhist Pavilion.
The Guia Fortress is an incredible historical destination situated on the peninsula’s highest point. From here, you will be treated to spectacular city views before reaching the Chapel of Our Lady of Guia, built in 1622.
Macau historical attractions also feature the Mandarin’s House, which was built sometime in 1869. This fascinating residential complex has 60 rooms, and it was once the home of a prolific author and merchant named Zheng Guanying. Walk around inside and observe the intricate details and the traditional Chinese elements unique to period buildings, such as the moon gate, oriental characters, and more.
There’s also the Dom Pedro V Theatre, the oldest in Macau, built in 1858. It has a striking facade of white and green colours and neo-classical theatre design.
The most famous of all the historical landmarks is the Ruins of St. Paul’s. What was once considered the greatest of all churches but was burnt down in 1835, though its stone remains are still marvellous. In 1996, the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt was established within the ruins.
These and much more await you when you visit the beautiful Macau historical attractions.
Ruins of St Pauls
(English: Ruins of St Pauls, Portuguese: Ruínas de São Paulo, Traditional: 大三巴牌坊, Simplified: 大三巴牌坊)Macau, Macau
A-Ma Temple
(English: A-Ma Temple, Portuguese: Templo de A-Má, Traditional: 媽閣廟, Simplified: 妈阁庙)Macau, Macau
The A-Ma Temple is a world heritage site in Macau. It was built dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess of fishermen and sailors, in 1488 during the Ming Dynasty. Today, it is the oldest temple in Macau and is one of...
Senado Square
(English: Senado Square, Portuguese: Largo do Senado, Traditional: 議事亭前地, Simplified: 議事亭前地)Macau, Macau
Senado Square is one of Macau’s most famous attractions, and for good reason. This beautiful European-style public square spans 3,700 square metres and is a World Heritage Site in the Historic Centre of Macau. It...
Mount Fortress
(English: Mount Fortress, Portuguese: Fortaleza Do Monte, Traditional: 大砲台, Simplified: 大炮台)Macau, Macau
The Mount Fortress (Fortaleza Do Monte) in Macau is one of the oldest forts in all of China. Also known as the Fortaleza Do Monte, this 8,000-square-meter large heritage site has a long and rich history. Mount Fortress...
Taipa Village
(English: Taipa Village, Portuguese: Vila da Taipa, Traditional: 氹仔舊城區, Simplified: 氹仔牌坊)Taipa, Macau
Taipa Village is highly recommended for visitors to Macau who are keen to see some of the local life. This is the oldest part of Taipa Island, once home to the local fishermen. Taipa Village, Restaurants, Attractions...
A-Ma Cultural Village
(English: A-Ma Cultural Village, Portuguese: Aldeia Cultural de A-Má, Traditional: 媽祖文化村, Simplified: 妈祖文化村)Coloane, Macau
The A-Ma Cultural Village is an important religious attraction in Coloane. The 7,000 square meter large Buddhist/Taoist temple complex was built in 2003 in honour of A-Ma, the Goddess of Seafarers. A-Ma Cultural...
Guia Fortress
(English: Guia Fortress, Portuguese: Fortaleza da Guia, Traditional: 東望洋炮台, Simplified: 东望洋炮台)Macau, Macau
The Guia Fortress is one of Macau’s iconic historic sites, found on Guia Hill, the highest point in the country. Built in the 17th century, it was once a colonial military fort that was beneficial in protecting...
St Francisco Garden
(English: St Francisco Garden, Portuguese: Jardim de São Francisco, Traditional: 加思欄花園)Macau, Macau
The St Francisco Garden (Jardim de São Francisco) is one of the loveliest public gardens in Macau. Situated between the Cineteatro and the Macau Military Club, this park is extremely popular among children and...
St Dominics Church
(English: St Dominics Church, Portuguese: Igreja de São Domingos, Traditional: 玫瑰堂, Simplified: 玫瑰堂)Macau, Macau
St. Dominic’s Church is a historic Catholic church established by Spanish Dominican priests in 1587. It was built to enshrine a statue of Our Lady of the Rosary. St. Dominics Church, History, Sunday Mass Times...
Taipa Houses Museum
(English: Taipa Houses Museum, Portuguese: Casas-Museu da Taipa, Traditional: 龍環葡韻住宅式博物館, Simplified: 龙环葡韵住宅式博物馆)Taipa, Macau
The Taipa Houses Museum is among Macau’s top 10 tourist attractions. It’s an excellent representation of colonial Portuguese architecture, comprised of five homes built in 1921. Taipa Houses Museum...
Holy House of Mercy
(English: Holy House of Mercy, Portuguese: Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Traditional: 仁慈堂慈善會)Macau, Macau
The Holy House of Mercy (Santa Casa da Misericórdia) is a heritage institution in Macau, built in 1569 by the country’s first Bishop, D. Belchior Carneiro. It was modelled after the Holy House of Mercy, one...
Tin Hau Temple, Macau
(English: Tin Hau Temple, Portuguese: Templo de Tin Hau, Traditional: 天后古廟, Simplified: 天后古庙)Macau, Macau
Tin Hau Temple is the only temple found in Macau’s northeastern section. Nestled along the foot of the Ma Kau Seac Hill, this temple has a long and interesting history. Tin Hau Temple, Macau, History, Natural...
St Dominics Square
(English: St Dominics Square, Portuguese: Largo de Sao Domingos, Traditional: 板樟堂前地, Simplified: 板樟堂前地)Macau, Macau
St Dominic’s Square (Largo de Sao Domingos) is a historic public square at the end of Senado Square. This is where you can find a beautiful Catholic church called St. Dominic’s Church and many...
Museum of the Holy House of Mercy
(English: Museum of the Holy House of Mercy, Portuguese: Núcleo Museológico da Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Traditional: 仁慈堂博物館, Simplified: 仁慈堂博物馆)Macau, Macau
The Museum of the Holy House of Mercy houses a fascinating collection of Catholic relics. It has been around since 2001, drawing pilgrims from around the world who come to see displays, some of which date back to the...
Mong Ha Fort
(English: Mong Ha Fort, Portuguese: Forte de Mong Há, Traditional: 望廈炮台, Simplified: 望厦炮台)Macau, Macau
Mong Ha Fort is an important historic destination in Macau. Situated atop the Mong Ha Hill in the northern part of the country, it’s one of the younger fortresses built in 1841 to help defend from a Chinese...
Sir Robert Ho Tung Library
(English: Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, Portuguese: Biblioteca Sir Robert Ho Tung, Traditional: 何東圖書館, Simplified: 何东图书馆大楼)Macau, Macau
The Sir Robert Ho Tung Library is a renowned heritage destination and library in Macau. Built before 1894, the property was originally owned by Carolina Antonia da Cunha, though it changed ownership several times before...
Macao Central Library
(English: Macao Central Library, Portuguese: Biblioteca Central de Macau, Traditional: 澳門中央圖書館, Simplified: 澳门中央图书馆)Macau, Macau
The Macao Central Library (Biblioteca Central de Macau) is a large public library spanning two storeys. Formerly known as the National Library, it was established in 1895 and originally was under the operations of the...
Section of the Old City Walls
(English: Section of the Old City Walls, Portuguese: Troço das Antigas Muralha de Defesa, Traditional: 舊城牆遺址, Simplified: 旧城墙遗址)Macau, Macau
The Section of the Old City Walls is a historical attraction in Macau featuring some of the oldest remaining segments of defence structures. Some go as far back as 1569, so visitors can see how the Portuguese...
St Lawrences Church
(English: St Lawrences Church, Portuguese: Igreja de São Lourenço, Traditional: 聖老楞佐教堂, Simplified: 圣老楞佐教堂)Macau, Macau
St. Lawrence’s Church is one of Macau’s oldest and most beautiful churches. The Jesuits were responsible for establishing this church before 1560, though the current structure is the result of...
Morrison Chapel
(English: Morrison Chapel, Portuguese: Capela Protestante, Traditional: 馬禮遜教堂, Simplified: 马礼逊教堂)Macau, Macau
The Morrison Chapel is an Anglican church in Macau. Also known as the Macau Protestant Church, this beautiful place of worship has a history spanning around two hundred years. Morrison Chapel, Protestant Church...
Chapel Of Our Lady Of Penha
(English: Chapel Of Our Lady Of Penha, Portuguese: Capela de Nossa Senhora da Penha, Traditional: 主教山小堂, Simplified: 主教山小堂)Macau, Macau
The Chapel Of Our Lady Of Penha is a beautiful church on Penha Hill. It was constructed in 1622 and was under the ownership of the Augustinians until they were expelled from the country in 1834. Three years later, the...
Chapel Of Our Lady Of Guia
(English: Chapel Of Our Lady Of Guia, Portuguese: Capela de Nossa Senhora das Neves, Traditional: 聖母雪地殿教堂, Simplified: 圣母雪地殿教堂)Macau, Macau
The Chapel Of Our Lady Of Guia is one of the religious attractions in Macau. This beautiful chapel is small yet significant, adjacent to the iconic Guia Lighthouse. Chapel Of Our Lady Of Guia, Opening Hours, History...
Albergue SCM
(English: Albergue SCM, Portuguese: Albergue da Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Traditional: 藝竹苑, Simplified: 艺竹苑)Macau, Macau
The Albergue SCM is a beautiful cultural and creative zone in the St. Lazarus District of Macau. Also known as the Albergue de Santa Casa de Misericordia, its Portuguese name, this tranquil destination provides the...
Company Of Jesus Square
(English: Company Of Jesus Square, Portuguese: Largo da Companhia de Jesus, Traditional: 耶穌會紀念廣場, Simplified: 耶稣会纪念广场)Macau, Macau
The Company Of Jesus Square (Largo da Companhia de Jesus) is one of Macau’s most popular public squares. This is where you can find many of the top tourist attractions in an area, and it’s also a great...
Vila Da Taipa Historical Center Archway
(English: Vila Da Taipa Historical Center Archway)Taipa, Macau
Vila Da Taipa Historical Center Archway is a historical and tourist attraction in what was once a fishing village. During its early days, it served as the location where boats would dock in Taipa, though reclamation has...
Guia Hill Military Tunnels
(English: Guia Hill Military Tunnels, Portuguese: Galerias Subterrâneas do Monte da Guia, Traditional: 松山軍用隧道, Simplified: 松山军用隧道)Macau, Macau
The Guia Hill Military Tunnels are one of the numerous historic attractions on Guia Hill. There are three tunnels to visit here, though only the Complex A is open to visitors. Guia Hill Military Tunnels, Underground...
St Augustines Church
(English: St Augustines Church, Portuguese: Igreja de Santo Agostinho, Traditional: 聖奧斯定教堂, Simplified: 圣奥斯定教堂)Macau, Macau
St. Augustine’s Church is an old Catholic church in Macau, built in 1586 by Italian Catholic priests. A few years after it was built, the Portuguese took over it. St Augustines Church, History, Weekday/Sunday Mass...
Mandarins House
(English: Mandarins House, Portuguese: Casa do Mandarim, Traditional: 鄭家大屋, Simplified: 郑家大屋)Macau, Macau
The Mandarins House is a significant historical attraction in Macau. Situated in the Historic Centre, it was once a traditional residential compound for Zheng Guanying, a famous Chinese literary. Mandarins House...
Cathedral Square
(English: Cathedral Square, Portuguese: Largo da Sé, Traditional: 大堂前地, Simplified: 大堂前地)Macau, Macau
Cathedral Square is a beautiful attraction within the Macau World Heritage Centre. It’s home to the Paco Episcopal Bishop’s House, Macau Cathedral, and the Cartorio da Se, as well as a fountain. Cathedral...
St Anthonys Church
(English: St Anthonys Church, Portuguese: Igreja de Santo António, Traditional: 聖安多尼教堂, Simplified: 圣安多尼教堂)Macau, Macau
St. Anthonys Church is one of Macau’s most famous and historic churches. It is also among the oldest, built in 1560 by the Society of Jesus to honour the Patron Saint of Marriage of Catholics. St Anthonys Church...
Barra Fort
(English: Barra Fort, Portuguese: Fortaleza de São Tiago da Barra, Traditional: 媽閣炮臺, Simplified: 妈阁炮台)Macau, Macau
Barra Fort is a historical attraction in Macau, built in 1629 to protect the bar located at the Inner Harbour entrance from the Dutch invasion. Though the fort served an important purpose in fortifying the harbour from...
Barra Square
(English: Barra Square, Portuguese: Largo Da Barra, Traditional: 媽閣廟前地, Simplified: 妈阁庙前地)Macau, Macau
Barra Square (Largo Da Barra) is a popular square in Macau where you can find some of the most iconic tourist sites in the city, including the Maritime Museum, A-Ma Temple, and The Holy House of Mercy. In addition...
St Lazarus Church
(English: St Lazarus Church, Portuguese: Igreja de São Lázaro, Traditional: 望德聖母堂, Simplified: 望德圣母堂)Macau, Macau
St. Lazarus’ Church is among the oldest churches in Macau, having been built between the years of 1557 through 1560. Also known as the Hermitage of Our Lady of Hope, it was established to help the lepers of the...
Guia Lighthouse
(English: Guia Lighthouse, Portuguese: Farol da Guia, Traditional: 東望洋燈塔, Simplified: 含东望洋灯)Macau, Macau
The Guia Lighthouse is one of the most iconic heritage and history sites in Macau. Situated on top of Guia Hill, visitors are treated to breathtaking views from here. Guia Lighthouse, History, Hours, Photos, Height...
Pak Tai Temple
(English: Pak Tai Temple, Portuguese: Templo de Pak Tai, Traditional: 氹仔北帝廟, Simplified: 氹仔北帝庙)Taipa, Macau
The Pak Tai Temple is a historic Taoist temple dating back over 160 years. It was built to pay tribute to the Northern Emperor, Pak Tai, whom devotees believe to have the power to protect people from the perils of...
The Kun Iam Statue is an iconic landmark in Macau. It is situated right by the ecumenical centre in the Outer Harbour, a valuable source of information on Eastern religions and schools of thought, primarily Buddhism...
Wallace Fountain
(English: Wallace Fountain, Portuguese: A Fonte Wallace , Traditional: 和麗女神噴泉)Macau, Macau
The Wallace Fountain in Macau features two of the iconic fountains located around the world. These intricate emerald-green fountains feature four female figures meant to represent Macau’s harmony and well-being...
St Michael the Archangel Cemetery
(English: St Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Portuguese: Cemitério São Miguel Arcanjo, Traditional: 聖彌額爾小堂, Simplified: 圣味基坟场)Macau, Macau
St. Michael’s Cemetery is the biggest Catholic cemetery in Macau. It’s interesting to note that many headstones here date back to the 19th century, and they include photos of those who have deceased...
Tam Kung Temple
(English: Tam Kung Temple, Portuguese: Templo de Tam Kung, Traditional: 譚公廟, Simplified: 谭公庙)Coloane, Macau
Tam Kung Temple is a famous old temple in Coloane. It was constructed in the 19th century to pay tribute to Tam Kung, the God of the Sea. Tam Kung Temple, History, Taoist, Dragon Boat Altar, Coloane, Macau The temple...
Chapel of St Francis Xavier
(English: Chapel of St Francis Xavier, Portuguese: Capela de São Francisco Xavier, Traditional: 路環聖方濟各聖堂, Simplified: 路环圣方济各圣堂)Coloane, Macau
The Chapel Of St. Francis Xavier is a Catholic church in the Coloane district of Macau. It was constructed in 1928, following the baroque style of most of the big churches in the country. Chapel of St Francis Xavier...
