Historic Centre of Macau
Historic Centre of Macau, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Macau, China
The Historic Centre is an old urban district that mixes Portuguese colonial buildings, Chinese temples, and traditional squares across two separate zones. The streets are narrow and paved, lined with colorful facades and religious structures from both cultures standing side by side.
Portuguese traders settled here in the 16th century and made it their main trading post connecting Europe to East Asia. The settlement remained under Portuguese control until its handover to China at the end of the 20th century.
Churches and temples stand side by side along the streets, showing how Portuguese and Chinese ways of life have lived together for centuries. You can hear temple bells and incense smoke mixed with church bells as you walk through the neighborhoods.
The area is easy to explore on foot, with flat streets and clear paths connecting the main sights. Tourist information centers offer free maps to help you navigate the different zones.
The stone facade of St Paul's Church blends Western religious symbols with Eastern elements like chrysanthemums, Chinese characters, and other decorative designs. This unexpected combination shows how two worlds met in shaping this religious structure.
Location: Macau
Website: http://wh.mo/pt
GPS coordinates: 22.19100,113.53600
Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:28
Grand Lisboa
735 m
Senado Square
475 m
A-Ma Temple
740 m
Mandarin's House
320 m
St. Dominic's Church
619 m
Lou Kau Mansion
647 m
Leal Senado Building
440 m
St Lawrence's Church
116 m
Macau Government Headquarters
230 m
Our Lady of Penha Chapel
460 m
Igreja da Sé
652 m
Sir Robert Ho Tung Library
248 m
Dom Pedro V Theatre
246 m
Santa Casa da Misericórdia
528 m
Moorish Barracks
535 m
Sam Kai Vui Kun
482 m
Bank of China Building, Macau
730 m
Former Court Building
427 m
Macau Government House
702 m
Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business
493 m
Edifício Rainha D. Leonor
590 m
MJ Gallery at Ponte 16
655 m
Macau General Post Office
502 m
Macau Museum of Souvenir
627 m
Núcleo Museológico da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Macau
527 m
"Years of Music" Audio Museum
634 m
聖物寶庫
634 m
Penha Hill
530 mReviews
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