The history of cultural integration in Macau is physically evident today through the numerous tourist attractions in the tiny city.

The sights of Macau are characterized by both Catholic and Chinese Temples, Museums, Southern European styled buildings and gardens of all types. The island is basically divided up into 3 regions, the largest being the peninsular attached to the mainland by a small strip of land, the other two being the islands of Taipa, linked to the peninsular by bridge, and Coloane, linked to Taipa by bridge. As befits its size, the main sights of Macau are mostly situated on the peninsular, although the islands make a relaxing day trip.

Places to See

Beliefs and arts and customs of traditional China thrive in Macau and this meeting place of Eastern and Western culture can be witnessed in the A-ma Temple and the Kun-iam Temple , temples of traditional belief. On the other hand ,the Portuguese established Macau in 1577 expecting it to be a base of Christianity as well as a trading post, calling it "City in the Name of God, Macau". Churches were among the very first buildings erected in the city. Today, these churches still remain,among them St' Augustin's Church and St' Domingo's Church are the most important active churches. The Ruins of St' Paul's Cathedral has also become the symbol of Macau.

Beyond this Macau has a wide range of sights to view. Beyond simply strolling about, probably the best way to do Macau, there are a variety of old Portuguese buildings and museums that are worth visiting, among them the Leal Seado , Monte Font , the Macau Wine Museum and the Maritime Museum are musts for travelers.

In the West a garden is an attempt by man to tame nature; in the East it is an idealized wilderness. In Macau the two worlds meet in gardens which satisfy the senses and refresh the spirit, providing all members of the community with relaxation, recreation and relief from the tiny crowded city. The Lou Lim Loc Garden and the Camoes Grotto and Gardens are the best of the Macau Gardens.

The islands themselves are a great way to relax, you cannot go far wrong eating cheesecake on the black sands beach of Coloane.

Old Protestant Cemetry

The Old Protestant cemetery is situated directly to the east of the Praca Luis de Camoues and can be reached by walking north and downhill from the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral .

This is a fascinating little cemetery filled with the graves of Protestants who either died or passed through Macau since 1814. Ecclesiastical law forbade the burial of Protestants on Catholic soil and the Chinese also rejected the idea of having Protestants buried on their ground. It was not until 1814 that land was sold to the British East Indian Company who opened the cemetery in 1821. The graves here are very detailed and personal, recounting life stories and achievements. Among the more famous people buried here is the artist George Chimmery.

Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral

The Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral are Macau's most famous landmark. This spectacular facade, perched atop one of the island's seven hills, is the symbol of Macau and an image which was projected throughout China leading up to the hand-over in December 1999.

St. Paul's Cathedral was first built in the 17th Century, the design of an Italian Jesuit and the work of Japanese Christians. This mammoth and spectacular building dominated the city until 1835 when it was savagely destroyed by fire and only the facade, the mosaic floor and stone steps approaching the building survived. In fact, the ruins of St. Paul's are still impressive and inspiring despite this destruction, perhaps even more so as a result of the devastation. The magnificent and delicately carved facade looms over visitors as they climb the steps from the Rua de Sao Paulo . The facade depicts various scenes from Christianity, harmoniously combining the style which is the epitome of Macau- a combination of renaissance and oriental art and design. Even today, the ruins are held to be the most impressive monument to Christianity in the east.

Behind the facade is Saint Paul's Museum which houses various religious relics and artifacts including the tomb of the Jesuit monk who designed the Cathedral and is accredited with introducing Christianity to Japan.

Museum Opening hours: Daily 9am to 6pm (except Tuesday). Entrance is free.

Leal Seado and the Senate Square

The senate chamber Leal Seado is arguably the most famous and impressive example of Portuguese architecture in Macau. The entrance to the chamber is directly off Avenida de Almedia and the courtyard inside is surprisingly peaceful, secluded and pretty. The interior walls are decorated with stunning Portuguese blue and white tiles and the garden in the courtyard is filled with wild flowers. The senate chamber is very grand and is still used today by the Macau SAR government.

Senate Square is directly opposite the entrance to the senate chamber. This is a beautiful European style square, filled with churches, restaurants and cafes and bursting with typical Portuguese ambience and style. Locals enjoy sitting around here, drinking, eating and relaxing. The pastel color on the building walls is impressive in the summer, when the light bounces off the walls of the square.

Opening hours: The Leal Senado- Monday to Saturday 1pm-7pm. Entry is free.