Glitz and glamour are the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Macau. It’s a reputation that Macau has rightly earned. After all, it’s not called the “Vegas of the East” for nothing. And yet, underneath the region’s shiny veneer lies a depth of history, borne of 300 years of commingling Chinese and Portuguese influences. Experience the abundant wealth and heritage of Macau when you visit the region’s eleven must-see landmarks and attractions.
A-Ma Temple
The A-Ma Temple is the oldest and most venerated Taoist temple in Macau. Predating even the arrival of the Portuguese in the peninsula. It is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Matsu, known as A-Ma in Macau. The temple is features elements of classical Chinese architecture, with beautiful landscapes serving as backdrop.
Camoes Garden and Grotto
Camoes Garden and Grotto, the oldest and largest park in Macau, is dedicated to the memory of Portugal’s national poet Luis de Camoes. The hilly park is famous for its winding, tree-lined paths and its marvelous views of Macau’s inner harbor.
Guia Circuit
The Guia Circuit is the site of the famous Macau Grand Prix. Featuring a length of 6.2 kilometers and 19 turns, it’s considered one of the most challenging Grand Prix circuits of the world because of its long main straight and variation of altitudes.
Kun Lam Temple
Kun Iam Temple vies in magnificence with A-Ma Temple. Dating back to the days of the Ming Dynasty, this temple is famous for its gilded Buddhist statuary. Its most iconic statue is the willowy golden image of Kun Iam or Guanyin, the goddess of mercy.
Macau Fisherman’s Wharf
Sitting on Macau’s outer harbor, the Fisherman’s Wharf is Macau’s first theme park. The park contains features and buildings mixing traditional Chinese and European designs, as well as hotels and recreational facilities like game centers, themed play areas, and performance venues.
Macau Museum
Located in Monte Fortress in the center of Macau, the museum is the largest in the region. Through its more than 3,000 exhibited historical relics, the museum celebrates the rich heritage of Macau, from its prehistoric period to the contemporary times.
Macau Tower
The tenth highest tower in the world at 338 meters, Macau Tower is where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the peninsula, as well as the Pearl River Delta and the Coloane Islands beyond. It’s also a romantic place to view the sunset, one you can enjoy while dining in one of the many restaurants in the tower’s observation decks.
Ruins of St. Paul’s
The Ruins of St. Paul’s is what remains of the complex containing St. Paul’s College and the Church of St. Paul. It was once the largest Catholic church in Asia. However, a fire destroyed the complex, and all that remains is the church’s southern façade. The excavated ruins containing the crypt and foundations are now a museum. On top of that, a steel stairway lets visitors climb to the top of the façade.
Senado Square
Senado Square is a town square surrounded by historic European-style buildings and containing various monuments of cultural significance to Macau. Open only to pedestrian traffic, Senado Square is part of the Historic Center of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St. Dominic’s Church
Dominic’s Church stands at the center of Senado Square and is also part of the Historic Center of Macau. Famous for its baroque design, it nonetheless mixes European and Macanese features. Most particularly its use of Chinese-style roof tiles. It is one of the oldest churches in Macau.
The Venetian Macao
The Venetian Macao, sister to The Venetian Las Vegas, is the largest casino in the whole world. It boasts of more than 3,000 hotel suites, as well as more than a million square feet of gaming space. It is also a popular venue for conventions, concerts and sports events in Macau.
Feast your eyes on these wonders of Macau on your holiday there. And don’t wait too long – book your Macau holiday today or check out other articles on Macau which we’ve listed here!
Leave a Reply