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Macao

Macao
The Historic Monuments of Macao represent its early and long encounter between Chinese and European civilisations. Macao was the first European enclave in Asia. Its colonial history started with the arrival of Portuguese tradesmen in 1557. Over the years they developed Macao into one of the major trade ports in Asia - as a stopover on the route to Japan or as part of the Silk Route by sea. Macao is also the longest lasting and finest example of interchange between Chinese and Western civilizations.

The monuments that make up this WHS are divided into two zones. The central area can be found along the Rua Direita, leading from the ancient Chinese harbour in the south to the old Christian city in the north. Major monuments here are the A-Ma temple, the Leal Senado Square and the Ruins of St. Paul's Church.
The second zone, a bit more to the northeast, is centered around Guia Hill. Here the Chapel and the Lighthouse are protected.

Year Decision Comments
2005 Inscribed Reasons for inscription



Visit September 2005

After arriving from Hong Kong by ferry I thought I'd come to construction workers' heaven. Probably there still aren't enough luxury hotels and casinos in Macao. To avoid this overwhelming first impression, I would advise any first time visitor to take a taxi or bus from the ferry to the historical center of town. Macao really is a nice place, if you know where to look.

I used the ICOMOS report on the inscription of Macao as a WHS as my guide book. Many historical places, spanning the 16th to 19th century, can be found in Macao's historical center. This area (including a typical market square) is best explored on foot.
Guia Hill, the second zone of monuments, is situated in a residential district with some more fabulous colonial houses. A cable car can take you uphill, but I couldn't find it so I dragged myself up via the road. The small tourist information on the hill does a good job in providing an airconditioned room, and has water and tissues for sale. Sure I'm not the only one who walks all the way up. The lighthouse and chapel are in good in repair, and did remind me a bit of Brazil (where the colonial Portuguese heritage is much more extensive).

It was already late in the afternoon when I arrived at my final destination: the A-Ma Temple. Or Ma Kok Miu in Cantonese, I discovered together with my taxi-driver - don't expect everybody to speak English here. A lovely temple that marks the earliest beginnings of Macao, nowadays a bit off the beaten track.
All in all Macao is a great daytrip from Hong Kong. Besides the colonial buildings I also found its atmosphere more authentic Chinese. Allow at least one full day here.

More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery

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Reviews

bernard Joseph Esposo Guerrero (The Philippines):
I visited Macao during the cold month of December. Suffice to say that I managed to visit all properties inscribed as its historic monuments. I stayed here for two days without being bored at all.

I agree to Ivan's assessment that Macao is largely a misinterpreted site. Beyond the picturesque Ruinas da Sao Paolo, not many tourists get to see the bigger picture that Macao offers (personally, I enjoyed a lot visiting these sites: Largo do Senado, Casa Mandarin, Lilau Square, A Ma Temple, and the Protestant Cemetery compound). Nevertheless, Macao's blend of the East and the West can best be seen through the various religious edifices it has - it is interesting how one Buddhist temple sits side by side a Christian church(in ruins).

Though Macao's monuments are at some distance to each other (the Guia Hill being the farthest), I still found going around Macao to be a very refreshing experience. For one, each of the monuments is truly a representative of unique cultural and historical testaments; thus, overlaps of values represented by each are hardly present. Secondly, the government has to be commended for doing an excellent (and colorful) job towards preserving their enduring gems. One can definitely see the tough dedication being forwarded there. However, I also noticed that there seemed to be an imminent problem that the sites will face in the next few years with their seemingly weak buffer zones and lack of proper urban planning and traffic management. Macao, after all, is rapidly growing, and I've yet to see how the government is looking at the preservation of the aesthetic values of the sites amidst modern, high-rise edifices and installations around them.

By in large, the monuments of Macao are indeed interesting. There is also another site there that is not inscribed -- though it is deemed to be of high cultural importance for Macanese. This happens to be Rua da Felicidade, a little street that may also be worthy for some attention by tourists visiting the city. I also found my visit to the Santa Casa da Misericordia Museum (its entrance is on the right side of the building) memorable as it is one place where one can see religious artworks as a result to the blending of two cultures and their respective marks of craftsmanship.

Offhand comment: the colonial buildings surrounding Largo do Senado reminded me a lot of the buildings within Escolta in Manila - I can just imagine how it would be like if Manila also takes the effort of conserving and reviving its architectural treasures.
Date posted: March 2013
Thibault Magnien (France):
I visited the ancient Portuguese colony of Macau in November 2011. The historic center is really beautiful and presents a great testimony of what was a colonial city. Enjoy the beautiful Portuguese artworks, sometimes mixed with Chinese elements that make Macau unique in the world. The site consists of many buildings and among them; the most beautiful ones are the Senado square, the St Joseph Church, the ruins of Sao Paulo Church and the fortress. The Sao Paulo Church built during the 18th century burnt almost completely in 1835. Only the front façade has survived and is still very impressive.
Date posted: April 2012
Frederik Dawson (Netherlands):
During my short visit to Hong Kong, I went to Macao, the former Portuguese colony in China and the Las Vegas of Asia, and I was really happy to revisit this city again. As I mentioned this trip was not my first time in Macao, in 2002, the first time I saw her, Macao was still a laid back city, but in just eight years, Macao is become the dynamic city with load of fantasy buildings of international casinos!

While most of tourists come to Macao for its casinos or its WHS historic centre, the highlight of Macao for me is its food, and its gourmet heritage is the real reason to bring me back here. From the delicious African Chicken, crispy custard tart, unique papaya milk to great noodle and dim sum, make me want to come back again and again.

For WHS review, Macao colonial heritages is a nice place to visit, the ruin of St. Paul and Senado Square are the prime attractions, the street is full of many nice colonial buildings together with hundreds of Chinese tourists who will accompany you everywhere you go! While Macao is full of European buildings and feel of Mediterranean, Macao has its own special charm to remind you that this is Macao, not anywhere else, but just Macao and Macao only and that make Macao to be the fascinating place to come and taste!
Date posted: December 2010
Elisabeth Fransisca Situmorang (Indonesia):
It was quite a journey to walk through each and every building that includes in the Heritage Sites, from A Ma Temple to Guia Fortress.
Most are churches with similar size, type and even color (yellow and grey)... yet it could deliver the 'ancient-ness' of the city. I love the atmosphere around The Ruin of St Paul. I believe it is best to be there early in the morning, and on weekdays to avoid over-crowd, as it will give you the sense of solitude when capturing the ruin's detail and taking some pictures..
Date posted: November 2008
Mila Tari (Macau / USA):
What a beautiful collection of photos of Macau! As a native of Macau, I am truly impressed by how well the essence of this small but lively city was captured. Growing up in Macau, I had always been proud of the various architectural styles found in this city.

If you have a chance to visit Macau, I highly recommend visiting the two outer islands, Taipa & Coloane. These islands are truly heavenly. The locals will definitely agree.

Thank you for sharing your traveling experiences with the world! I have finally found an awesome web site to surf when I am missing my hometown.
Date posted: December 2005
Ivan ManDy (Philippines):
Finally, a long over-due recognition of one of Southern China's most historic yet misinterpreted gems!

Little Macao, a stone throw away from one of the world's most modern cities -Hong-Kong- is a city with a lurid reputation. Often branded as an Asian Las Vegas, the historic monuments of the city are ,for most part, simply a quick distraction from the glitzier casinos dotting the landscape. Not that the local tourist body isnt doing much, in fact, they have (IMHO) done a great job promoting and highlighting the city's cultural treasures.

Well, maybe the WHS listing can finally balance Macao's image as more than just a casino disneyland.

There's a wealth Portuguese architectural treasures in Macao, a city whose charming Iberian facade blends seamlessly with her age-old Chinese roots. For sure, it's a very touristy place especially in the heart of main square (Largo de Senado) but I would to think that thats heritage preservation economics in action. But wander off a little bit and its a world unto its own. Hilly streets open up to intimate pastel colored Iberian plazas, baroque churches, colorful Cantonese temples or busy alley ways that's so evocative of Old China. There's pobablly no other place in the world like it.

So after youve done the roulletes, go and explore Macao's churches, temples, plazas, houses and forts. For sure, it'll be million-dollar experience
Date posted: July 2005


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