Macau: A City of Culture, History, and Casinos
Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China located on the south coast of the People’s Republic of China, east of Hong Kong. With a population of 650,900 in an area of 30.5 square miles, Macau is the most densely populated region in the world. This former Portuguese colony is known for its unique fusion of Chinese and Western cultures, its historic landmarks, and its status as a major gambling destination. Here are seven places that help make Macau such a special place.
The Ruins of St. Paul’s
St. Paul’s was a 17th-century Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle. Built-in 1602, it was the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Macau until 1837 when it was destroyed by fire. Today, all that remains are the façade and Stone Steps leading up to it, which have become one of Macau’s most iconic landmarks.
A-Ma Temple
A-Ma Temple is a Taoist temple dedicated to the goddess Mazu, who is believed to protect fishermen and sailors. It is one of the oldest temples in Macau, having been built in 1488, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Senado Square
Senado Square is a public square located in central Macau. It is paved with wave-patterned mosaic tiles and flanked by pastel-coloured colonial buildings. The square is named after the legislative body during Portuguese rule and it remains an important gathering place for locals today.
Mount Fortress
Mount Fortress is a mountaintop fortification built in 1617 to defend Macau from pirates and invaders. The fortress never saw battle but it has remained an important symbol of Macau’s history and culture. Today, it serves as a park with panoramic views over Macau cityscape as well as being home to several historical buildings such as St. Anthony’s Chapel.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a waterfront area featuring Mediterranean-style architecture and seafood restaurants reminiscent of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf (hence the name). Visitors can take a cruise on one of the vintage wooden boats or enjoy views of the city skyline from atop the Eiffel Tower replica.
Wynn Palace Cotai
Wynn Palace Cotai is one of Macau’s many luxury resorts and casinos owned by Wynn Resorts Holdings Limited. It opened its doors in 2016 at a cost of $4.2 billion and contains 1,706 rooms across two hotel towers as well as convention facilities, retail space, restaurants, bars, lounges, spas, and pools.
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino is another luxury resort casino inspired by Venice (complete with canals you can ride down in gondolas). Opened in 2007 at cost of $2.4 billion dollars, this casino hotel complex contains 3,000 suites across two 55-story hotel towers as well as 350 stores organized into three streets altogether forming what resembles Venice’s Saint Mark’s Square complete with Venice masked revellers during Carnival season!
Conclusion
Macau truly has something for everyone whether you’re interested in history and culture or looking to gamble at one of the world’s largest casinos (or both!). If you find yourself in China be sure to pay this fascinating city a visit!
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