11 must-see historic landmarks in Macau

Begin your journey at the time-honoured A-Ma Temple. The entrance and the Portuguese tiled square serve as stunning backdrops for photography. The temple is dedicated to A-Ma, also known as Mazu and Tin Hau, and other deities from Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions. A-Ma is revered as the guardian of seafarers, reflecting the city’s maritime past.

Set on Barra Hill, this is Macau’s oldest temple, featuring pavilions built during different eras. The earliest structure, the Hall of Benevolence, is believed to have been built in 1488. The temple existed even before Macau came into being and has close ties to the city’s origins. Climb the hill and admire the pavilions, altars, stone inscriptions and the natural scenery.

Legend has it that Macau derived its name from the A-Ma Temple. When the Portuguese set foot on the Macau Peninsula, they asked the locals what the place was. The local Chinese misunderstood that the Portuguese were wondering about the nearby temple and answered "A-Ma Gau" (Bay of A-Ma), where the temple is located, which the Portuguese then misinterpreted the sound as 'Macau'.

Embark on a journey through the community on Rua da Barra, a stroll of no less than 10 minutes, and you’ll find yourself at the Mandarin’s House. This residential compound, once the abode of the esteemed entrepreneur and reformist thinker Zheng Guanying (1842-1921), is steeped in history. Here, he penned his influential masterpiece, Words of Warning to a Prosperous Age, a work that resonated with great Chinese leaders like Emperor Guangxu, Mao Zedong, and Sun Yat-sen, following its publication in the mid-1890s. This historical connection makes this mansion a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

The compound, originally built in 1869, has seen extensions and renovations over the years. It was constructed in a Lingnan style typical of southern China, with subtle Western influences. This unique blend of Chinese and Western elements reflects a time when Macao’s architecture was a fusion of styles, a fascinating aspect for architecture enthusiasts. The compound’s courtyards, stunning interior frescoes, and intricately carved screen doors offer a tranquil retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The Mandarin’s House was acquired by the Macau SAR Government in 2001 and underwent a meticulous restoration process. It later reopened to the public in 2010.

As you step out of the Mandarin’s House, you’ll find yourself at Lilau Square, one of the city’s early Portuguese squares. The square is surrounded by Art Deco residential buildings, creating a striking contrast to the Mandarin’s House. You can relax here under the shade of a large tree, which adds a sense of mystery to the deep historical roots of the square.

Lilau Square is home to a unique Lilau Fountain, a natural spring water fountain that once fed the city’s first water supply system. A Portuguese saying goes: "One who drinks from Lilau never forgets Macau" – a testament to the fountain’s connection to locals. You can even find a kiosk selling beverages here, making it a perfect spot to sit and admire the vibrant palette of the buildings. If you’re a film enthusiast, particularly a fan of Hong Kong cinema, you’ll be excited to know that the gripping opening scene of Johnnie To’s Exiled was shot in Lilau Square. This adds a touch of cinematic history to this already fascinating location.

Just a five-minute walk away is St. Lawrence’s Church. Nestled amongst stone staircases, this neoclassical church is truly majestic. Its yellow facade features two symmetrical towers, one with a bell and the other with a clock. As you ascend the stairs, you are greeted by two kneeling angels on either side. The small square flanked by lush vegetation and flowers in front of the church offers a serene space for pilgrims.

Upon entering, you’ll be captivated by the crystal chandeliers in the spacious interior, adorned in graceful yellow tones, and the high, celestial ceiling that enhances the church’s beauty.

Originally a wooden structure, the church is believed to have been built before 1560 and has undergone expansions and renovations. Its elevated location used to provide a panoramic view of the bay of Praia Grande, making it a gathering place for many devotees from seafaring families. They would come here to pray for the safe return of their loved ones, giving the church its alternative Chinese name, Fung Shun Temple or Fung Shun Tong, which means a place to pray for calm weather at sea.

Steps away is Rua Central, a street that used to be a bustling commercial hub before the establishment of Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro. It was one of the key Portuguese communities in Macau. As you walk along this street, you’ll see a slope. Climb up to reach the gorgeous St. Augustine’s Square, which used to be a vibrant social hub for Portuguese and Western socialites, and the first architecture you’ll see is the Dom Pedro V Theatre.

Constructed in 1860, it is the first Western-style theatre in China and bears the name of the Portuguese monarch Dom Pedro V (1837-1861). Its neoclassical design, adorned in a refreshing mint hue, sets it apart as a chic entertainment venue that once drew many Portuguese and Macanese residents. Notably, it hosted the Asian premiere of Giacomo Puccini’s classic Madame Butterfly and introduced the 'Crazy Paris Show' to Macau, marking significant cultural milestones. As you leave, you’ll pass by the side door, the exclusive entrance for the upper class who arrived in carriages. Adjacent to the side door inside the theatre is a staircase leading to the balcony, offering a unique perspective of the theatre’s rich history.

Adorned with cobblestone pathways, St. Augustine’s Square provides a picturesque backdrop perfect for photography. Whether you’re seeking Instagram-worthy spots or a breath of cultural fresh air, the three-storey Sir Robert Ho Tung Library is a must-visit.

Originally built as a mansion before 1894, the property was acquired in 1918 by businessman and philanthropist Sir Robert Ho Tung, who transformed it into his summer retreat. During the Second World War, he relocated to Macau and took up residence there. Upon his passing, he bequeathed the mansion to the government, intending to establish it as a public library.

As you step inside, take a moment to unwind in the serene garden, which is beautifully adorned with a variety of botanical plants and offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

As you descend the slope at the end of the St. Augustine’s Square, you’ll be greeted by the iconic Senado Square. This landmark is named after the Leal Senado, a historic meeting place for the Chinese and Portuguese in the 16th to 18th centuries. Within the building, you’ll see many stunning Portuguese azulejo tiles – perfect for taking a few snaps.

Opposite the building is the headquarters of the city’s post office, a classic architectural gem that has served the community since 1929. If you happen to visit during a festive period, you might even see the third floor adorned with festival decorations.

Stroll along the Portuguese tiled strip, adorned with motifs of fish and seashells that symbolise Macau’s role as a bustling commercial port. The strip is flanked by retail shops, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Pause at the Holy House of Mercy, a historical institution that once assisted the families of sailors lost at sea. Its decorative facade is a testament to its noble past.

Across from this is a row of colourful qilou arcade buildings with a brighter palette, adding a cheerful touch to the street. This sheltered corridor uniquely blends Western European and Chinese architectural influences.

On your way to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of St. Dominic’s Church, nestled in the small piazza named after the saint. This baroque church, built in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests from Mexico, is a sight to behold. Its graceful yellow palette, adorned with white decorations and olive green windows, is a testament to the architectural prowess of its time. The church houses over 300 artefacts, which adds a historical allure to the church.

St. Dominic’s Square, a bustling commercial hub for centuries, reflects Macau’s rich history. The square and the church have been immortalised in many oil paintings and watercolours that capture the scenes of local people’s lives. The square is a hive of activity, with street vendors selling their products, and is now home to a variety of retail shops and a market complex behind the church.

No trip to Macau is complete without visiting the iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s, which refers to the stunning facade of the original Church of Mater Dei and the adjacent St. Paul’s College, both of which were tragically razed by a fire in 1835.

This site beautifully embodies Macau’s multicultural identity, showcasing a fascinating blend of imagery that includes biblical narratives, depictions of saints, mythological figures, Chinese characters, chrysanthemums, a Portuguese ship, and Chinese lions.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during an outdoor concert by the Macao Orchestra or the Macao Chinese Orchestra, be sure to arrive early to secure a seat on the stone staircase for a stunning view of the performance.

Next to the Ruins of St. Paul’s stands the Na Tcha Temple, a single-chamber shrine dedicated to the deity Na Tcha. Built in 1888, this is one of two temples of its kind in the area. 

The city hosts the Feast of Na Tcha each year, featuring a vibrant procession, lion dance performances, and various rituals. This celebration has been passed down through generations, and in 2014, the Na Tcha customs and beliefs of Macau were inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The proximity of this temple to the Ruins of St. Paul’s is a great example of the city's rich multicultural identity.

Adjacent to the temple is one of the remaining sections of the old city wall, believed to have been constructed as early as 1569 as part of the Portuguese military defence system for the city. This system is comprised of forts connected by various sections of walls.