Features

Into the historical world of Macao

16 Sep 2019 by Business Traveller India

Macao is one of the last Portuguese colonies in Asia. Located on the south coast of China, the country is famous for its grand casinos, luxury hotels and malls, and has earned the nickname, “Las Vegas of Asia”. But beyond the glamour and glitter, lie beautifully preserved colonial architecture and heritage that reflect the melting in of two vivid cultures.

A Portuguese territory until 1999, the region today has three interconnected islands, The Cotai Strip with casinos and hotels, and the two fishing village islands of Taipa to the north and Coloane to the south.

Macao embodies a strong Portuguese architectural essence, which can be seen through the pastel coloured neoclassical buildings, and street signs that resemble traditional blue and white Portuguese ceramic tiles.

One of the most distinctive reminders of the Portuguese influence in Macao is the Portuguese-style, wavy, mosaic tiled paving. This unique paving was laid in the early 1990s in Macao’s Senado Square and was originally made with broken pottery pieces from ships.

Moving on, the island of Coloane is home to the city’s largest natural green areas with Seac Pai Van Park and Hac Sa Reservoir Park offering several hiking trails and a panda pavilion. It also has many heritage sites.

The Taipa Village located just five minutes from the Cotai Strip, offers a blend of European and Chinese architecture and cultural experiences. A walk through the alleys and winding lanes is a great way to discover art spaces, Chinese temples, colonial churches along with street food stalls and souvenir shops.

In addition to being Asia’s famous casino hub, Macao is now picking up as a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Historic Centre of Macao is home to over 20 sites that represent the unique assimilation of Chinese and Portuguese influences. A visit to the A-Ma Temple, an ancient temple in Macao, or St Lawrence’s Church, the oldest church in the region offers a perspective on the religions practised here. The Mandarin’s House and Lou Kau Mansion are worth a visit. Both the houses are based on Chinese designs with a touch of European influence. The Senado Square is a popular tourist spot situated in the heart of old Macao. Surrounded by many colourful vintage colonial buildings, and the square is often crowded until night.

The Guia Fortress in Macao is a historical military complex comprising a fort, lighthouse and chapel. The fortress’ construction took more than 15 years to complete and is a prominent site to visit, among others.

Overall, Macao has grown tremendously, from being an important trading port of Asia to a glamorous and luxurious town.  But hidden in between is a storm of historical secrets and a culture that defines the modern world.

Natasha Nitturkar 

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