Original Contant from : Macau Government Tourist Office
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Senado Square & St Dominic's Church | Map Macuau's main square is paved with a wave-pat-terned stone mosaic - created especially by experts from Portugal - which extends from Senado Square to St Paul's. The Senado Square, which has been a civic hub for centuries, is now pedestrianzed and contains an elegant fountain, trees, benches, a cafe and space for public event. At one end of the square is the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, and opposite is the Holy House of Mercy, dating from the 16th century and oldest Western charity in China. At the far end of the square stands St. Dominic's Church, a marvellous example of baroque architecture built by the Dominican friars in the 17th century. It is famous for its magnificent altar, decorated wooden ceiling and treasury of statues. The Ruins of St Paul's & Museum of Sacred Art | Map In the heart of the old city stands the great carved stone facade of St Paul's, which, with the grand staircase, are all that remain of the first Church and College of the Jesuits in China. Designed by an Italian Jesuit, with the assistance of Japanese Christian stonemasons, who had fled persecution in Japan, the church was built in the early 17th century. In 1835 a fire destroyed all but the facade, which illustrates the history of Christianity in Asia and incorporates Biblical quotations in Chinese and Japanese chrysanthemums as well as bronze statues of the missionary saints. The Museum of Sacred Art was installed in the original crypt of the church and contains silver altar pieces, gilded statues and paintings by 17th century Japanese artists showing the Crucified Martyrs of Nagasaki and the Archangel Michael as a samurai. |
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Mount Fortress & Museum of Macau | Map Built by the Jesuits as their headquarters at the same time as St Paul's, the Mount Fortress provided an effective defence against attack by the Dutch in 1624, but was later taken over as the governor's residence. Today it houses the Museum of Macau, which occupies the foundations and platfrom with exhibits that illustrate the life of Macau and its prople over the past four centuries, emphasizing the bi-cultural character of the city with its differrnt faiths and festivals, social customs, architecture, sports, art and cuisine. Special attenton is also given to the merging of cultures to create the distinctive Macanese society. |
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Taipa Houses-Museum | Map In the early part of the 20th century, the banyan tree shaded waterfront of Taipa Praia was chosen by local administrator and other Macanese families as a perfect location for their homes. Then, in later years, as they fell vacant they were bought by the government and restored to their former elegance. Today the row of five green-and-white buildings recalls a bygone era (and offers film makers and honeymooners a favourite backdrop). The first in the row is the Taipa House Museum, which is filled with reproduction period furniture in both Chinese and European styles. Next door is the House of Island, which contains a collection of maps, pictures and memorabilia from Taipa and Coloane. The House of the Portugal Regions displays costumes and musical instruments from Portugal, and the Exhibition Gallery has changing shows of paintings, photos and posters. The largest of the old houses is now used for meetings and receptions. |
| Guia Fortress & Lighthouse | Map Situated on the highest point of the city, Guia Fortress was built in the 17th century and its original cannon platform today provides great panoramic views of Macau and nearby islands. Rising above the old battlements is the lighthouse, built in 1864 -the oldest western style lighthouse on the China Coast-- it is still a beacon for shipping. (In the Maritime Museum you can see one of the original paraffin lamps used before electricity was installe). Also in the fort is a chapel, built in 1637, with a ceiling painted with Chinese and Western angel figure. You can also reach the fort by means of a cable car from Flora Garden. |
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