Macao︱Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square

Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square

The most classic landmark of Macao is, beyond doubt, the Ruins of St. Paul's. Some even thought that, if you have not visited the Ruins of St. Paul’s, you have never been to Macao. The ruins are the southern stone façade of the Church of Mater Dei. The first-ever Western university in the Far East, St. Paul’s College, was constructed beside the Church. Along with Fortaleza do Monte, the three buildings created a scene as a whole. To one’s sorrow, a fire in 1835 destroyed the Church, leaving only the façade and stone steps. 

The locals, later, called the ruins “paifong” in Chinese because the façade looks similar to the traditional Chinese arch, known as a paifong. Since then, the ruins have become an icon of Macao. Currently, at the back of the ruins, there is a Catholic art museum and crypt exhibiting Catholic artefacts. Fortaleza do Monte next to the ruins also was reconstructed as the Museum of Macao, showcasing the history of Macao.

The best route to visit the Ruins of St. Paul's is to start from the Senado Square. The Leal Senado was the Municipal Council of Macau during its colony days. The building of Leal Senado is taken over by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau at present and is open for the public to appreciate such an exquisite interior of the Portuguese government building. At the Senado Square, there are a lot of iconic buildings, including the elegant Post and Telecommunications Bureau Building, Holy House of Mercy, Sam Kai Vui Kun, and Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady.

Next to the Senado Square, it is the Sao Domingos Square with St. Dominic’s Church. Exhibiting lots of Catholic heritage, the church is the starting point of the annual Procession of Our Lady of Fatima. Walking towards the Ruins from the Sao Domingos Square, you will arrive on Rua do Cunha which is known for selling souvenirs. Usually, the pastry souvenir shops allow you to have a taste before purchase. The Na Tcha Temple stands next to the Ruins, so you may pay a visit when you are around. From the Senado Square to the Ruins of St. Paul’s, you can experience the essence of Macao’s history and culture.