A part of the Historic Centre of Macau, Na Tcha Temple is set at the rear of the Ruins of St. Paul. This 19th-century temple is dedicated to Nezha or Na Tcha, a Chinese folk religion god. According to folklore and Chinese Buddhist books, Na Tcha has a child-like appearance with magical powers and is said be to Dharma's protector. The place of worship was erected to ward off a plague at that time. This small temple doesn't have a courtyard and features only one chamber. Its gray brick edifice with a flush gable roof makes it stand out from the rest of the buildings nearby. A section of the Old Walls is joined with the temple. If you are in the vicinity, then this worship house is not to be missed.
Looking decidedly European with its cream walls and green shutters, St. Dominic's Church stands at the northern end of the Largo do Senado. Inside, this 17th-century baroque place of worship is light and airy, with a magnificent altar featuring the Virgin Mary and Child. Decorative confession boxes line the walls, whilst nooks and crannies invite you to light a candle, and worn wooden pews tempt you to put your feet up and indulge in some inner contemplation.
Igreja da Sé a famous catholic church located in the historic center of Macau. It was originally built in 1576 as a tribute to the Virgin Mary. The main building consists of a bell tower, flanked by chapels on either side, with its entrance marked by a magnificent facade. The interiors of the church are reminiscent of Portuguese cathedrals with elevated ceilings, arched windows, and a minimalistic altar. If you're a lover of Neoclassical architecture, this is a must visit.
Seen from the appropriately named Rua de Sao Lorenco, the St. Lawrence's Church cuts an imposing figure. The double-towered, cream-colored building gazes down through an ornamental gate and positively welcomes you inside. But for us mere mortals, it is necessary to walk round to the back and enter through the side entrance. Inside the red-carpeted altar, cream walls and blue ceiling make for a breathtaking effect, and the beautiful stained glass windows and statues invite you to sit and absorb this visual feast at leisure.
It is a tough walk up to this Church but worth it on a clear day for the panoramic view not only of Macau, but also across the Pearl River into China. The church itself feels dark and esoteric, and the garden's ivy-clad walls and tombstones add to the religious yet mysterious atmosphere. Under the impressive double stone staircase is an outside altar with stone seats while above, the statue of Our Lady keeps watch.
O nome Macau foi tirado de A-Ma-Gao, ou, a Baía de A-Ma, onde este templo fica. Diz a lenda que A-Ma era uma garota pobre viajando para a China que foi parada por um grupo de ricos proprietários de navios. Finalmente, um pescador a levou para Macau, sobrevivendo a uma tempestade que afundou todos os outros navios. Mais tarde, ela reapareceu para o pescador como uma deusa e ele construiu para ela este templo. Situado no extremo sul de Macau, o templo tem uma atmosfera amigável e acolhedora e um fluxo constante de fiéis que vêm de diferentes partes do globo para testemunhar esta obra-prima arquitetônica. O Arco Memorial, o Salão da Benevolência, o Zhengjiao Chanlin, o Salão de Guanyin e o Pavilhão do Portão são alguns dos componentes mais notáveis da estrutura.
Set in a Baroque style building, the St. Francis Xavier Church was built in 1928 and was once home to numerous Christian relics including the remains of several priests. The church’s blue woodwork, mustard walls, oval windows and the gorgeous bell tower are just some of the reasons to visit this historical building. The Roman Catholic church was also the primary place of worship for soldiers and army men from Mozambique while they served in the Portuguese Army. Mass is still held on a regular basis, with services being conducted in both Cantonese and English. Whether you want to enjoy a glimpse of a well-preserved religious sight or are simply looking for a serene place to pray, a quick visit to St. Francis Xavier Church won't let you down.