Top Things to Do in the Macau | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

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Places To Visit In Macau

A-Ma Statue & Cultural Village

In the small island of Coloane in Macau, one can find the tallest statue of goddess A-Ma and a cultural village in her name. A pavilion-style gate, carved marble altars, The Tian Hou Palace, a bell tower and a drum tower, are all part of this aesthetic, cultural village. The cultural complex also houses shops and restaurants of various kinds. The statue situated at the Dieshi Mountain boasts of being one among the tallest statues in the world. The benevolent and serene face of A-ma looks down upon the beautiful and tranquil scenery of the village, which can be observed by one from the peak.The main highlight of the cultural village is the Tian Hou Palace. The infrastructure of the palace and its surroundings is sure to astonish and amuse visitors. The detailed architecture consisting of grand pavilions, exquisite wall decorations, a hall of grandeur and many magnificent carved reliefs are both aesthetically and culturally valuable. Read More

A-Ma Temple located in Sao Lourenco is said to be the oldest temple in Macau. It is dedicated to the Chinese goddess of sea Mazu. It is believed that the name of Macao city is derived from this temple. One of the three Buddha Halls in Macau, the temple is divided into six main parts while the entrance of A-Ma temple is guarded by two beautiful stone lions. The pillars and walls of the temple are inscribed with ancient Chinese scripts and richly carved drawings. A shrine for various deities like Mazu and Buddha, A-Ma temple is an impeccable example of a blend of various cultures like Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and folk beliefs. Hundreds of pilgrims visit A-Ma Temple every year on Mazu’s birthday and Chinese New Year and grand celebrations take place. Read More

Barra Square is one of the most popular and busiest squares in Macau and is located in the southwest corner of the Macau Peninsula. The famous A-ma Temple, Maritime Museum, The Holy House of Mercy are located within the proximity of the square. The sea is walkable from the square. The best time to visit would be for the Chinese New year or during the Spring Festival as the square would be full of festivities, fun and celebration. The firework display during the Chinese New Year is a sight to behold. The square is also filled with restaurants and eateries which serve both Macanese and Portuguese cuisines. Read More

The Camoes Square is located on the Northwest of Macau Peninsula. Travellers can find the St. Anthony's Church, Casa Garden, Camoes Garden, The Protestant Church and other spots by the square. The square is named after Luis de Camoes, an eminent poet of Portugal, whose statue is in the Camoes Garden. The garden is one of the oldest parks in Macau. One can reach the highest point in the park known as the gazebo and enjoy the sceneries of the inner harbour. It is also significant as the square and its surroundings were the first residences for the Portuguese in Macau. Read More

In the small square of Largo do Carmo in Taipa village lies the Carmo Garden.The garden exists as a testimony to the rich Portuguese history of Macau. A statue of the Portuguese poet Carmoes stands tall in the garden along with a small fountain. Otherwise known as the Taipa Municipal Garden, this aesthetic structure was built in 1955. It is now listed as one of the eight iconic attractions in Macau representing the Carmo Area. Nearby the Carmo Garden are recreational facilities such as a swimming pool and municipal library. Read More

Casa Garden is a public park which is located in Santo António Square. It encompasses an art gallery where exhibitions are often held. If lucky, one might get a chance to see an exhibition held in the gallery and witness the cross between Macanese and Portuguese art. The walk around the magnificent mansion is soothing and peaceful. There is a mansion at the middle of the park. Once the English East India Company headquarters, the building is now the Oriental Foundation headquarters. The mansion was constructed by a wealthy Portuguese merchant, Manuel Pereira in the year 1770. Read More

Located in the Largo de Se or the Cathedral Square, this is the current cathedral of the Diocese of Macau. The people call it 'The Great Church' due to its popularity and influence. It is the second-largest cathedral in the Peninsula of Macau. The monument consisting of the cathedral and the bell tower houses some precious relics and famous paintings. The bell will only ring on rare occasions. The most important religious day for the people of Macau is the festive procession, "Procession of Passion of our Lord", which starts from St. Augustine church on the first weekend of Lent wherein the cross is paraded to the cathedral and exhibited there for one day. The weekly mass is conducted in Cantonese, Portuguese and English. A special mass in Latin is held on the first Sunday of every month. The cathedral is also called the "Church of the Nativity of Our Lady". Read More

Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square is located just 1 minute away from the Senado square. The square has the Macau Cathedral, Paco Episcopal Bishop's House and Cartorio da Se and a fountain. The fountain is mesmerizing with its dolphin and seahorse sprouts. Another feature of the square is the murals by George Chinnery located at the backside of the square. He has utilized the blue tiles in his works to give them a Portuguese style to create both local and Chinese inspired images. Read More

A landmark spot of the Japanese Christian tradition, this chapel is located on the small island of Coloane in Macau. The chapel is elementary to spot as it lies right behind the monument commemorating the victory over pirates in 1910. The building is of baroque style painted in a vibrant yellow and decorated with red lanterns. This petit yet beautiful chapel was home to some of the most sacred Christian relics in Asia. This included remains of many foreign and Japanese priests as well as Japanese Christian martyrs. One can now find these in the Museum Art and Crypt. The arm-bone of St. Francis Xavier used to be encased in the chapel. It has now been moved to St. Pauls. Read More

Located in Coloane, Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was built for the leprosy-affected people in settlement of Ka- Ho. One can find a few old houses next to the church, which were once used by the patients. It is a small church with a courtyard where the statues of Our Lady and St. Michael the Archangel and a grotto of Madonna can be seen. A striking bronze crucifix hangs over the north-entrance of the church. The chapel entrance is through wooden doors with planks echoing the angularity of the roof and bell tower. While some consider the Italian Francisco Messina to be architect, the name of another Italian Sculptor Osseo Acconci also pops up during the debate. Read More