Retrace Macau's Christian heritage at Ruins of St. Paul's, one of the region's landmark attractions. Built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the church was originally one of the largest Christian shrines in Asia. A 19th-century fire destroyed much of the original complex, but the ornate southern facade still stands as a reminder of the building's former grandeur. A steel stairway provides visitors with access to the top, while the onsite museum houses artifacts providing insight into the history and art of Christian faith in the Far East. Work out when and for how long to visit Ruins of St. Paul's and other Macau attractions using our handy Macau sightseeing planning tool.
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Ruins of St. Paul's reviews
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What says "been to Macau" more than this shot? I imagine most will visit this facade just for this reason and do the obligatory walk around that very touristy area. It's a shame that just that wall.... more
What says "been to Macau" more than this shot? I imagine most will visit this facade just for this reason and do the obligatory walk around that very touristy area. It's a shame that just that wall.... more »
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St Paul's ruins are one of the Macau's must see. As I was traveling close to holidays, the whole area was filled with Christmas decorations and the view was really nice
St Paul's ruins are one of the Macau's must see. As I was traveling close to holidays, the whole area was filled with Christmas decorations and the view was really nice more »
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This is one of the most original landmarks I’ve ever seen in my life! It’s made of the face of a cathedral who fell down due to a terrible earthquake; it’s a bit creepy, I admit it, but has its...
This is one of the most original landmarks I’ve ever seen in my life! It’s made of the face of a cathedral who fell down due to a terrible earthquake; it’s a bit creepy, I admit it, but has its... more »
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When we go on Macau vacation, one of the most visited by tourists is the Ruin of St. Paul's. This Ruin of St. Paul's church has become an icon of Macau tourism. According to history, this Roman Catholic Church was built in 1602-1640 took about 30 years to finalize and become the biggest church called the Chuch of St Paul. Actually, if you see this site by now is only a part of the whole Church that burns and down to the ground in 1835 and left the front part of the church building, which is made of granite, some foundations on several sides, and 68 steps to go up to the second level to the frame of windows that we can see through. Then If you walk around this ruin you can have an image of how was this Church in the old-time stand sturdy represented by the ruin of the foundations and some structures that still preserved by the glass walls.
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Interesting history History Edit Built from 1602 to 1640[1] by the Jesuits, the church was one of the largest Catholic churches in Asia at the time. With the decline in importance of Macau, which was overtaken as the main port for the Pearl River Delta by Hong Kong, the building's fortunes similarly ebbed, and it was destroyed by a fire during a typhoon on 26 January 1835.
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The UNESCO world heritage site and symbol of Macau is the ruins of the Cathedral of Saint Paul. After several destructive fires it was decided this grand church would not be rebuilt but it's facade remains a historic an archeological ruin. It's a great focal point in old Macau and adjacent to Mount Fortress and many small streets full of little souvenir shops and snack shops. The Senado is close by and there is a great history museum adjacent to it as well.
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A beautiful place to go. Loved so much and can't wait to see this place again.
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The Church of Mater Dei or known as Ruin of St. Paul’s is one of the iconic landmark in Macao. After destroyed by a great fire in 1835, it’s only the facade remains of this 17th church. When you’re there, pay a visit at Macao Museum as well. It’s only 3 minutes by walking from this facade.
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