Garuda Indonesia Colours Magazine April 2018 | Page 47

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which has been Macao’s urban centre for
centuries and is still the most popular venue
for public events and celebrations today.
While you enjoy the vibrant surroundings,
don’t forget to capture the neo-classical
Holy House of Mercy. Established by the first
Bishop of Macao in 1569, this institution was
modelled on one of the most prominent and
oldest charitable organisations in Portugal
and was responsible for founding in Macao
the first Western-style medical clinic and
several other social welfare structures that
still function to this day.
THE PHOTOGENIC
HISTORIC CENTRE OF MACAO
A former Portuguese colony
from the mid-16 th century, which
since 1999 has been part of
China, Macao is the perfect
destination for East-meets-West.
The richness of the combined cultures
can be seen in many aspects, including the
architecture of the buildings. Macao is the
ultimate destination for those who love
cultural and historical heritage as well as
those with a passion for photography.
the Ruins of St Paul’s, which refers to the
façade of what was originally the Church
of Mater Dei built in 1602–1640, and
destroyed by fire in 1835, together with the
ruins of St Paul’s College, which stood
adjacent to the church.
As well as the Ruins of St Paul’s, you must visit
St Lawrence’s Church. Built by the Jesuits in
the mid-16 th century, St Lawrence’s Church is
one of the three oldest churches in Macao. Its
present appearance and scale date from 1846.
Macao has over 20 ancient monuments
and urban squares that are evidence of the
assimilation of two cultures, known as the
Historic Centre of Macao. It was inscribed on
the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005,
which made it officially the 31 st designated
World Heritage Site in China. There’s also St Joseph’s Seminary Church;
established in 1728, the old Seminary was
the principal base for the missionary work
implemented in China, Japan and around
the region. St Joseph’s Seminary taught an
academic curriculum equivalent to that of
a university and in 1800 the Portuguese
queen Dona Maria I conferred on it the royal
title of House of the Mission Congregation.
The most famous monument of the Historic
Centre of Macao that shouldn’t be missed is From St Joseph’s Seminary Church, continue
your historical journey to Senado Square,
Not far from Senado Square stands the
Leal Senado Building. Originally built in
1784, this was Macao’s first municipal
chamber, a function it maintains to the
present. The name Leal Senado (Loyal
Senate) derives from the title City of Our
Name of God Macao, There is None More
Loyal, which was bestowed by Portuguese
King Dom John IV in 1654.
Don’t put down your camera in Macao
until you have visited the temples. Na Tcha
Temple, which is dedicated to the worship of
Na Tcha, presents a dialectic of Western and
Chinese ideals. Meanwhile, A-Ma Temple,
which has existed since before the city of
Macao came into being, is an exemplary
representation of Chinese culture inspired
by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and
multiple folk beliefs.
The Historic Centre of Macao offers
not only a unique experience, but the
amazingly beautiful architecture is sure to
also transform your Instagram feed. Let’s visit
and experience Macao Your Own Style
and be ready to be blown away.