The Bishop’s House was constructed in the mid-19th century, between 1846 and 1850, during the Portuguese colonial period in Macau. It was built as the official residence of the Portuguese Bishop of Macau and the...
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.
The Bishops House
(English: The Bishops House, Portuguese: Paco Episcopal, Traditional: 澳門 主教府)Macau, Macau
Na Tcha Temple
(English: Na Tcha Temple, Portuguese: Templo de Na Tcha, Traditional: 哪吒廟, Simplified: 哪吒庙)Macau, Macau
The Na Tcha Temple is a historical place of worship established in 1888. This temple is among the attractions of the UNESCO World Heritage List and is part of the Historic Centre of Macau. Na Tcha Temple, Exhibition...
Portuguese Tiles Mural
(English: Portuguese Tiles Mural, Portuguese: Macau Mosaic Tile Azulejos de Portugal)Macau, Macau
The Portuguese Tiles Mural is an amazing artistic attraction in Macau. Art lovers seeking out unique creations during their visit are highly recommended to see these murals. Portuguese Tiles Mural, Locations, History...
The Hung Shing Temple is an ancient temple in Hac Sa Village, on the Coloane Island in Macau. It is the only temple in the area, making it a nice addition to your itinerary as you explore this stunning part of the...
Lou Kau Mansion
(English: Lou Kau Mansion, Portuguese: Casa de Lou Kau, Traditional: 盧家大屋, Simplified: 卢家大屋)Macau, Macau
The Lou Kau Mansion is a special historical and heritage house in Macau. It was once the home of a renowned Chinese merchant who owned many important properties around the city. Lou Kau Mansion, History, Photos, House...
Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady
(English: Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady, Portuguese: Sé Catedral da Natividade de Nossa Senhora, Traditional: 聖母聖誕堂, Simplified: 聖母誕辰主敎座堂/澳門主敎座堂)Macau, Macau
The Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady is one of the Roman Catholic churches in Macau. Also known as the Cathedral of Macau, this church within the Cathedral Square was built in 1576 originally as a small wooden...
Kun Iam Temple
(English: Kun Iam Temple, Portuguese: Templo de Kun Iam, Traditional: 觀音古廟, Simplified: 观音古庙)Macau, Macau
The Kun Iam Temple of Macau is one of the oldest and most important places of worship. It was built in the 13th century and is dedicated to the goddess Kun Iam, who is highly revered, especially among Chinese fishermen...
Chapel of St Michael the Archangel
(English: Chapel of St. Michael the Archangel, Portuguese: Capela de São Miguel Arcanjo, Traditional: 聖彌額爾小堂, Simplified: 圣弥额尔小堂)Macau, Macau
The Chapel of St. Michael the Archangel is a small, beautiful Catholic church with a cemetery. It’s recognized as one of the most beautiful churches in Macau and was built in 1875. Chapel of St Michael the...
Lilau Square (Largo de Lilau) is a beautiful, historic square in Macau. This is one of the oldest suburbs that served as the residence of the Portuguese, which is evident in the Mediterranean designs and Art Deco...
Moorish Barracks
(English: Moorish Barracks, Portuguese: Quartel dos Mouros, Traditional: 港務局大樓, Simplified: 港务局大楼)Macau, Macau
The Moorish Barracks are an incredible attraction located on Barra Hill in Macau. It was constructed in 1874 to accommodate regiments from Goa, India, who were tasked to add reinforcements for the local police. Moorish...
Old Court Building
(English: Old Court Building, Portuguese: Edifício do Antigo Tribunal, Traditional: 原法院大楼旧址, Simplified: 原法院大樓舊址)Macau, Macau
The Old Court Building (Edifício do Antigo Tribunal) is a cultural performance venue in Macau, though its roots go much further back. It was built in 1951 originally to house the government’s finance...
Taipa Market
(English: Taipa Market, Portuguese: Mercado Municipal da Taipa, Traditional: 氹仔街市, Simplified: 氹仔街市)Taipa, Macau
The Taipa Market (Mercado Municipal da Taipa) is a historical market that was built in 1879. Today, it’s known as the Carmo Fair and has changed much throughout the century. Taipa Market, Food, Produce, Meat...
Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro
(English: Almeida Ribeiro Avenue, Portuguese: Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Traditional: 亞美打利庇盧大馬路, Simplified: 亚美打利庇卢大马路)Macau, Macau
The Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro is the primary street in the heart of Macau. It’s the busiest street in town, though it has a colourful history since it was constructed in 1920. Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Macau...
Sam Kai Vui Kun
(English: Sam Kai Vui Kun, Portuguese: Templo de Sam Kai Vui Kun, Traditional: 三街會館, Simplified: 三街會館)Macau, Macau
Sam Kai Vui Kun, also known as the Kuan Tai Temple, is a small temple in Se, Macau. Its long history dates back to 1750, when it was built to initially function as a meeting venue for Chinese merchants and as a place of...
Travessa da Paixao
(English: Romantic Lane, Portuguese: Travessa da Paixão, Traditional: 戀愛巷, Simplified: 恋爱巷)Macau, Macau
Travessa da Paixao is a beautiful, colourful street in Macau. Its name translates to Love Lane in Portuguese due to its origins of being a popular place to take your date during its early days. Travessa da Paixao, Love...
Camoes Square
(English: Camoes Square, Portuguese: Largo de Camões, Traditional: 白鴿巢前地, Simplified: 白鸽巢前地)Macau, Macau
Camoes Square (Largo de Camões) is a small public square in Macau and outside the oldest park in the country. This peaceful place is home to some historical monuments and a lovely place to walk around. Camoes...
Lin Fung Temple
(English: Lin Fung Temple, Portuguese: Templo de Lin Fong, Traditional: 蓮峯廟, Simplified: 莲峯庙)Macau, Macau
The Lin Fung Temple is a beautifully restored 16th-century Buddhist temple in Macau. The temple was built in 1592, the 20th year of Ming Emperor Shenzong. Lin Fung Temple, History, Kun Iam, Photos, Location, Macau In...
Chapel Of St James
(English: Chapel Of St James, Portuguese: Capela de São Tiago, Traditional: 聖雅各伯小堂)Macau, Macau
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...
Macau General Post Office
(English: Macau General Post Office, Portuguese: Edificio Sede dos CTT, Traditional: 澳門郵政局大樓, Simplified: 澳门邮政局大楼)Macau, Macau
The Macau General Post Office is a historic building adjacent to Senado Square. Its origins date back to 1884 when the old Macau Post started overseeing the local telephone and telegraph services. Macau General Post...
Old Protestant Cemetery
(English: Old Protestant Cemetery, Portuguese: Cemitério Protestante, Traditional: 基督教墳場, Simplified: 基督教坟场)Macau, Macau
The Old Protestant Cemetery is a historic resting spot established in 1821 by the British East India Company. Because there was a dearth of burial sites dedicated to Protestants in Macau at the time, building the...
Coloane Library
(English: Coloane Library, Portuguese: Biblioteca de Coloane, Traditional: 路環圖書館, Simplified: 路环图书馆)Coloane, Macau
The Coloane Library is a historic heritage building with a rich past. It was initially built in 1911 under the ownership of the Old Town School of Coloane, though by 1983, it was revamped into a library. It’s...
Macau Government Headquarters
(English: Macau Government Headquarters, Portuguese: Sede do Governo da Região Administrativa Especial de Macau da República Popular da China, Traditional: 澳門特別行政區政府總部, Simplified: 澳门特别行政区政府总部)Macau, Macau
The Macau Sar Government Headquarters is a stunning historic property that was built in an elegant colonial style back in 1849. Though it’s closed most of the year except for a few days of the year, this amazing...
Pau Kung Temple
(English: Pau Kung Temple, Portuguese: Templo de Pao Kong, Traditional: 包公廟, Simplified: 包公庙)Macau, Macau
The Pau Kung Temple is a historic feature of a three-temple complex in Macau. Constructed in 1889 under the Guangxu Reign, the rich history of this temple is still very much alive today. Pau Kung Temple, History, Lord...
Tin Hau Temple, Coloane
(English: Ancient Temple of Tin Hau in Coloane, Portuguese: Templo de Tin Hau de Coloane, Traditional: 路環天后古廟, Simplified: 路环天后古庙)Coloane, Macau
The Tin Hau Temple in Coloane is an ancient temple constructed sometime in 1763. It’s the largest and oldest temple in Coloane, located behind the village, though it requires climbing a flight of steps to access...
Lin Kai Temple
(English: Lin Kai Temple, Portuguese: Templo de Lin Kai, Traditional: 蓮溪廟, Simplified: 莲溪庙)Macau, Macau
Lin Kai Temple is an ancient temple built in 1830. It’s one of the biggest temples in Macau, as there are nine chambers inside it, and there are 15 gods who are venerated here. Lin Kai Temple, History, Pak Tai...
Sam Seng Temple
(English: Sam Seng Temple, Portuguese: Templo de Sam Seng, Traditional: 路環三聖宮, Simplified: 路环三圣宫)Coloane, Macau
Sam Seng Temple is one of the ancient temples in Macau and the oldest one in Ka Ho. It was built in 1865, the 4th year of Emperor Tongzhi. Sam Seng Temple, History, Empress of Kam Fa, Coloane, Macau Though the temple is...
Former Chong Sai Pharmacy
(English: Former Chong Sai Pharmacy, Portuguese: Antiga Farmácia Chong Sai, Traditional: 中西药局旧址, Simplified: 中西藥局舊址)Macau, Macau
The Former Chong Sai Pharmacy (Antiga Farmacia Chong Sai) is a unique attraction in Macau. It was one of the first pharmacies established in the country in 1892. It was run by a Chinese doctor named Dr. Sun Yat-sen, who...
Heritage Exhibition Of A Traditional Pawnshop Business
(English: Heritage Exhibition Of A Traditional Pawnshop Business, Portuguese: Espaço Patrimonial uma Casa de Penhores Tradicional, Traditional: 典當業展示館, Simplified: 典当业展示馆)Macau, Macau
The Heritage Exhibition Of A Traditional Pawnshop Business is a unique heritage and historical attraction in Macau. It tells the story of the Tak Seng On Pawnshop and local life in the previous century. Heritage...
St Francisco Barracks
(English: St Francisco Barracks, Portuguese: Quartel de São Francisco, Traditional: 加思欄炮台, Simplified: 加思栏炮台)Macau, Macau
The St. Francsico Barracks are an old colonial building in neoclassical design, built in 1864. It was named after a convent that was once located in St. Francisco Garden in the 16th century but was eventually abandoned...
Ancient Temple of Kun Iam in Coloane
(English: Ancient Temple of Kun Iam in Coloane, Portuguese: Templo antigo de Kun Iam em Coloane, Traditional: 路環觀音古廟, Simplified: 路环观音古庙)Coloane, Macau
The Ancient Temple of Kun Iam in Coloane is a smaller version of Macau’s famous Kun Iam Temple. You only need around 10 minutes to appreciate this tiny but marvellous temple. Ancient Temple of Kun Iam in Coloane...
Art Exhibition Pavilion for The Youth
(English: Art Exhibition Pavilion for The Youth (Building of the Former Caixa Escolar), Portuguese: Pavilhão de Exposições e Espectáculos Artísticos para Jovens (Edifício da Antiga Caixa Escolar), Traditional: 青少年展藝館（原助學會大樓舊址）, Simplified: 青少年展艺馆（原助学会大楼旧址）)Macau, Macau
The Art Exhibition Pavilion for The Youth (Building of the Former Caixa Escolar) is a beautiful heritage building at the Tap Seac Square in Macau. It was built in 1925 and showcases the eclectic architecture that was on...
Dona Maria II Fortress
(English: Dona Maria II Fortress, Portuguese: Fortaleza De Dona Maria II, Traditional: 馬交石炮台, Simplified: 马交石炮台)Macau, Macau
The Dona Maria II Fortress (Fortaleza De Dona Maria II) is a historical fortress located at the summit of Ma Kau Seac Hill. It was constructed from 1851 to 1852 to fortify the Mong Ha Fortress in Macau’s northern...
Eduardo Marques Square
(English: Eduardo Marques Square, Portuguese: Largo Eduardo Marques, Traditional: 馬忌士前地, Simplified: 马忌士前地)Macau, Macau
The Eduardo Marques Square (Largo Eduardo Marques) is a charming, quaint European square on Coloane’s promenade. It’s one of the most scenic seaside villages in Macau, definitely a must-see for travellers...
Exhibition Room of Master Lu Bans Woodcraft Works
(English: Exhibition Room of Master Lu Bans Woodcraft Works, Portuguese: Sala de Exposição dos Trabalhos de Carpintaria do Mestre Lu Ban, Traditional: 魯班先師木工藝陳列館, Simplified: 鲁班先师木工艺陈列馆)Macau, Macau
The Exhibition Room of Master Lu Bans Woodcraft Works (Sala de Exposição dos Trabalhos de Carpintaria do Mestre Lu Ban) is an incredible gallery in Macau. This is where you can see the amazing woodworks of...
General Ye Tings Former Residence
(English: General Ye Tings Former Residence, Portuguese: Antiga Residência do General Ye Ting, Traditional: 葉挺將軍故居, Simplified: 叶挺将军故居)Macau, Macau
General Ye Ting’s former residence is a historic colonial mansion with two floors and occupies around 180 square metres. It was once the home of the late military leader who was prominent for his pioneering work...
Headquarters Building of the Municipal Affairs Bureau
(English: Headquarters Building of the Municipal Affairs Bureau, Portuguese: Edifício Sede do Instituto para os Assuntos Municipais, Traditional: 市政署大樓, Simplified: 市政署大楼)Macau, Macau
The Headquarters Building of the Municipal Affairs Bureau is a beautiful heritage building that houses a city government office. They are responsible for overseeing tasks and issues regarding municipal affairs such as...
Homage to the Macanese Diaspora Monument
(English: Homage to the Macanese Diaspora Monument, Portuguese: Monumento de Homenagem à Diáspora Macaense)Macau, Macau
The Homage to the Macanese Diaspora Monument (Monumento de Homenagem à Diáspora Macaense) is a heritage landmark and artwork established to commemorate the 2001 New Millennium Meeting of the Macanese...
Hong Kung Temple Square
(English: Hong Kung Temple Square, Portuguese: Largo do Pagode do Bazar, Traditional: 康公廟前地, Simplified: 康公庙前地)Coloane, Macau
The Hong Kung Temple Square is a small public square located at the Rua de Cinco de Outubro and Rua do Guimarces in Macau. Historically, it was a busy square with a flurry of activity, but it has transformed into a...
The I Leng Temple is a small temple in Taipa. It was established in 1900 in honour of the Great Emperor of Healing, also known as Ka Sing Tong. I Leng Temple, History, Photos, Ka Sin Temple, Taipa, Macau The term...
Jorge Alvares Monument
(English: Jorge Alvares Monument, Portuguese: Monumento a Jorge Álvares, Traditional: 佐治.歐華利塑像)Macau, Macau
The Jorge Alvares Monument is a popular historical landmark in Macau. It was built in honour of the first Europeans to travel to China by sea in the 16th century. Jorge Alvares Monument, Portuguese Explorer Statue...
