Historic places in Macau

Historic places in Macau

1. SeeTaipa

   Museum of Taipa and Coloane History

   Contains detailed and informative displays of the two islands.

   Entry is M$5 and is open 10am to 6pm every day except Monday

2. SeePeninsula

   Na Tcha Temple

   Tucked in the corner of a cobblestone square to the left of (as you face) the ruins of St. Paul's is this tiny temple dedicated to the Chinese deity Prince Nata. The juxtaposition of Catholic church and traditional Chinese temple is a perfect example of Macau's contrasts and multicultural history.

3. SeePeninsula

   Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral

   Portuguese: Ruinas de São Paulo; Cantonese: 大三巴 daai saam ba

   The city's most famous landmark and is regarded as the greatest monument to Christianity in the East. The only thing left of the Church of Mater Dei, built in the 1600s but burnt down in 1835, is the imposing façade, with its Biblical statues and relief, being described as a "sermon in stone" and a "Bible for the poor". Nearby are the remains of the St Paul's College. Behind the façade is the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt, which occupies the chancel of the church, contains archaeological excavations of the site and also exhibits and paintings on early Christian life in the East. The crypt contains the remains of martyrs of Christians killed in the 17th century.

4. SeePeninsula

   Sé Cathedral

   Igreja da Sé

   No records of the exact date of construction exist but a solid brick structure was built on this site in 1622 and repaied in 1743. The cathedral has some impressive stained glass murals and the facade is characterised by its twin belfries. The exterior is clad in Shanghai plaster which gives the church a subdued appearance.

5. DoCotai

   The Londoner Macao

   Sands Cotai Central

   Resort complex including five hotels (The Londoner Hotel, Londoner Court, Conrad Hilton, St. Regis and Sheraton Grand) and replicas of Elizabeth Tower (better known as Big Ben), the Houses of Parliament and Crystal Palace.

6. DoCotai

   Wynn Palace

   Like its counterpart on the Macau Peninsula, the Wynn Palace has a performance lake with light and fountain shows. The fountains do some low-key dancing constantly, but the real shows, set to music, are every 20–30 minutes and are more spectacular than the ones at the other Wynn. The hotel/casino also has cable cars that carry you through the air around the performance lake on your way into the building.

7. SeePeninsula Not mapped

   Fire Services Museum

   消防博物館

   Built as the headquarters of the Fire Services Bureau, the historical building is now a museum dedicated to the history of the fire brigade and hosts a variety of antique fire engines and firefighting apparatus. Closed from public admittance as of October 2024. The rebuilt Central Fire Station is in use and next to the museum.

   10AM–6PM·Free

8. SeePeninsula Not mapped

   Macau Government Headquarters

   Built in 1849 as a nobleman's residence, it was the official palace of the Governor of Macau. The building now hosts the Chief Executive's Office. There are usually opening days that lasts for 2 days in each year October when travellers can enter the building.

9. SeePeninsula Not mapped

   Quartel de São Francisco/Museum of the Macao Security Forces

   加思欄兵營/澳門保安部隊博物館

   A museum showing the history of Macau's first responders, which was built as a Portuguese barracks and later the headquarters of the security forces. Exhibition includes firearms, uniforms and various policing and firefighting equipment. Entry requires ID registration and X-ray scanning.

   9AM–5:45PM (weekdays), 9AM–5PM (weekends)·Free

10. SeePeninsula

    Maritime Museum

    With exhibits on Macau's seafaring history.

    10AM–6PM (no admittance after 5:30PM), closed Tue·Admission: MOP10; half-price on Sundays

11. SeeTaipa Not mapped

    Pou Tai Un

    Pou Tai Monastery

    A Buddhist temple with a vegetarian Buddhist restaurant.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Macau (CC BY-SA 4.0).