Ruins of Saint Paul's — Attraction in Santo António

The Ruins of St. Paul’s and Mount Fortress are two of Macau’s most iconic historical landmarks, each with a rich history and cultural significance that draws visitors from around the world.

The Ruins of St. Paul’s, originally known as the Church of Mater Dei, was constructed in 1602 by Jesuit priests and completed in 1640. It was once the largest Catholic church in East Asia, symbolizing the spread of Christianity in the region. The church was built with white stones and featured a grand vaulted roof and three magnificently decorated halls. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire in 1835, leaving only its imposing stone façade and grand staircase. The façade, standing 26 meters tall, is a blend of European Renaissance and Asian architectural styles, adorned with intricate carvings of biblical figures, Chinese lions, and Japanese chrysanthemums. This fusion of styles reflects the cultural exchanges that took place in Macau during the 17th century.

Adjacent to the Ruins of St. Paul’s is Mount Fortress, also known as Fortaleza do Monte. Built in 1616, the fortress was initially constructed to protect the church and the Jesuit priests from pirate attacks. It later became a key military defense structure for Macau. The fortress is quadrilateral in shape, with bastions at each corner, and covers an area of about 8,000 square meters3. Its walls are made of granite and are about 9 meters high, providing a formidable defense against invaders.

Mount Fortress played a crucial role in Macau’s history, particularly during the Dutch invasion of 1622. The fortress’s cannons successfully repelled the Dutch forces, ensuring the safety of the city. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ramparts and enjoy panoramic views of Macau from the top of the fortress. The site also houses the Macau Museum, which offers insights into the city’s history and culture.

The proximity of the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Mount Fortress highlights the intertwined history of religion and military defense in Macau. The...

Recently I visited Macau on my official trip. It was first time I was visiting Macau and it amazing experience. If you are an Indian and planning to visit Macau, then best way is to go via HongKong.

please note that you need an e-visa for HongKong but for Macau, no visa required for Indian. But to be in safer side, go for it as it's free. Some time immigration officer will create issue if you don't have visa.

Cathay pacific and Indigo are two frequent airlines for HongKong. After landing in HongKong, you can directly head towards ferry (a motor boat) terminal which is connected via high speed train. On HongKong airport itself you can buy ferry tickets. The ferry company which I used was , Water Jet.

Like an airline, ferry too has business and economy class. The price difference was around 200 HK dollars. Ferry will take around an hour to reach Macau. Once you get out from ferry terminal, you can take either bus or car.

Macau is neat and clean. People follow traffic rules. People are good. But you will face challenges during interaction as they are not proficient in English.

If you are traveling for a vacation, you need at least couple of days to visit the city. Places like Ruins of st. Paul is an attraction point during evening. You should also visit Macau tower where bungee jumping is there. If you want to try your luck, do visit some casino. The one I visited was Grand Lisboa casino.

While coming back from Macau, either you can come via HongKong or you can come...

World Heritage site.....just the facade remains and it is testimony of a bygone era.... The Ruins of St. Paul's are one of Macau's most famous tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the ruins of a 17th-century Portuguese church dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle that was destroyed by fire in 1835, leaving only the facade and stairway standing. The Ruins of St. Paul's are located on top of a hill, and visitors must climb a set of stairs to reach them.

The Ruins of St. Paul's are an impressive sight, and the intricate stone carvings on the facade are a testament to the skill of the artisans who constructed the church. The facade features carvings of religious figures and scenes from the Bible, including the Last Judgment, the Crucifixion, and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Visitors can explore the ruins and climb to the top of the stairs for a panoramic view of Macau. There are also several small museums in the area that offer a glimpse into the history of Macau and the church.

Overall, the Ruins of St. Paul's are a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Macau. The combination of historical significance, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views make it a unique and memorable experience. Just be prepared for the crowds – the Ruins of St. Paul's are a popular tourist destination, and it can get quite busy during...