Macao Things to Do Tips by Rodan44

A-Ma Temple

Macau's name is derived from A-Ma-Gau, meaning "place of A-Ma", and this 16th century temple is dedicated to this seafarers' goddess. According to legend, A-Ma was a poor girl looking for passage to Canton, but was refused by the wealthy junk owners. Finally a lowly fisherman took her on board. A storm blew up and wrecked all but the boat carrying the girl. On arrival in Macau, she vanished and reappeared as a goddess on the spot where the fishermen built her this temple.

In the temple itself, three of the four pavilions are dedicated to A-Ma, with the top shrine honouring Kun Lam. The festival of A-Ma takes place on the 23rd day of the 3rd moon (April or May).

Address: Rua S. Tiago da Barra

Directions: southern tip of Macau peninsula
adjacent to the Maritime Museum

Macau Tower

The most visible landmark in all of Macau is undoubtedly the 338 meter tall Macau Tower. It is the 10th highest freestanding tower in the world and the 8th tallest in Asia. Officially called The Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre (MTCEC), it was opened on 19th December 2001 and is comprised of the communications and observation Tower, a 4 level Convention & Entertainment Centre, a 2 level underground basement, and an outdoor plaza. As with all such towers, the top is comprised of both an observation deck and revolving restaurant. There is also an outdoor observation deck at 233 meters. From the highest viewing deck it is possible to see 55km away on a clear day.

Address: Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen

Directions: southern tip of Macau peninsula
you can't miss it!

Website: http://www.macautower.com.mo/

Monte Fort

Built by Jesuit missionaries in the early 17th century, Monte Fort sits atop a hill adjacent to the ruins of St. Paul's Church. The high stone walls are lined along the top with old canons and the upper interior of the fort is now a public park. In 1998 the Macau Museum was built in the center of the fort.

The fort is one of the most interesting remnants of Portugal's colonization of Macau. It symbolizes Portugal's determination to keep Macau secure from all other European rivals. This fort was used to defend Macau from Dutch invasion in 1622 and also acted as the residence for the first colonial governors of Macau.

Directions: Adjacent to the ruins of St. Paul's Church.

St. Paul's Church

The most famous symbol of Macau is the façade of St. Paul's Church. A photo on the steps in front of the church is an obligatory stop for all visitors to Macau. The original church was constructed by Jesuit missionaries in the early 17th century, but in 1835 a fire destroyed the body of the church, leaving behind only the stone façade and grand staircase. After restoration work in the 1990s, the back of the ruins have been turned into a museum where you can now see some of the excavated remains of the original church as well as a crypt filled with religious relics and a religious art exhibition. Admission is free.

Directions: near Largo do Senado Square