What To Do For 5 Hours In Macao

Usually when I travel, the best way for me to see local things and the goings-on of the locals will definitely be when I do a walk about on my own or with a friend. I find myself being immersed in the details more as I walk slowly from one place to another rather than if I just pass by in a car or on a tourist bus.

It may be slightly tiring but if that’s going to be the case, always remember to bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes!

When I was in Macao recently, I end up taking a slow stroll that lasted for about 5 hours and saw a great many things – apart from taking great many photos too!

Senado Square

Macao Senado Square

Senado Square is definitely one of Macao’s busiest location where tourists and locals alike like to hang out, shop or just take photos. Apart from sitting at the fountain or shop at shops like SaSa, Padini, Body Shop, Swarovski or eating at McDonald’s, there is the “Leal Senado” Building and the Holy House of Mercy for you to visit too.

“Leal Senado” Building

Inside Leal Senado Building
Inside Leal Senado Building

The “Leal Senado” Building, originally built in 1784 is Macao’s municipal office. There is a library on the 1st floor although, I didn’t manage to sneak in. It is said that it takes the Biblioteca do Convento de Mafra as its model. The library holds many collections of foreign texts from the 17th century all the way to 1950’s, especially documenting Portugal’s role in Africa and the Far East.

I only went to the back garden though, a small yet serene place to relax the mind and the eyes. I wouldn’t mind sitting out there for hours in the shade, surrounded by many colourful flowers. It is a very pretty place.

Holy House of Mercy

Holy House of Mercy

The neo-classical building was first founded by the first bishop of Macao in 1569 where it was first set up as a western-styled hospital in China. They also housed a nursery and orphanage.

Today, there is an in-house museum. The well-kept building contains implements given to the Chinese or how to aid missionaries. It holds the history of how Catholicism was established in Macao.

St. Dominic’s Square

The St. Dominic’s Square is only a few meters away from Senado Square. It is another place for people to hang out or just rest their weary feet. The square lies in front of the St. Dominic’s Church.

St. Dominic’s Church

St. Dominic's Church

It is not hard to miss the St. Dominic’s Church, with it’s dark yellow and white paint. This church was built by Dominican priests in 1587 and this was the first church built in China. The original church was constructed from wooden slats. The St. Dominic’s Church is dominant with Baroque architecture, especially it’s altar. There’s also a small museum in the church that holds a collection of over 300 Macanese Catholic artifacts.

St Augustine’s Square

St Augustine's Square

I love the big trees that can be found at the squares in Macao. This includes the St. Augustine’s Square. There are several monuments at this square which includes the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church, St. Augustine’s Church and Dom Pedro V Theatre.

Sir Robert Ho Tung Library

Sir Robert Ho Tung Library

Sir Robert Ho Tung Library

Stepping into Sir Robert Ho Tung Library’s compound gave me a different vibe, feeling all relaxed and peaceful. This is mainly due to the large trees and plants lining the way to the library’s entrance. Not only that, the shaded area make you want to just pop out a book, sit and spend the whole day reading.

The building, constructed in 1894  was originally the residence of Dona Carolina Cunha. After it was purchased by Sir Robert Ho Tung, a wealthy businessman from Hong Kong, he used it as his summer villa until he passed away. According to his will, the building was donated to the Macao to be used as a public library.

The library has private reading areas in the upper level. There is also a small garden in the building.

St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church

St. Joseph's Seminary and Church

The seminary was first constructed in 1728 whereas the church was built later in 1758. The building was built in the Baroque style, seen in the arc-shaped line on the lintel, that is rarely seen in Macao. In a way, it has many similarities with the St. Paul’s Church.

St. Augustine’s Church

This building is only about 30 steps away from Sir Robert Ho Tung Library.

The Church was constructed by a group of Spanish Augustinian priests from wood in 1586. In those days, the priests used Chinese fan palms to cover the Church’s roof when it rains. The palm leaves blowing in the wind looked like a bearded dragon, which brought the other name of the church called “Long Song Miu” or translated as Temple of the Long-whiskered Dragon.

Dom Pedro V Theatre

Dom Pedro V Theatre

Dom Pedro V Theatre

This theatre was built in 1860 by the Portuguese to commemorate King Pedro V. This is the first western-styled theatre in China. It was originally used by the local Macanese for important events and celebrations. However now it is also a venue for staging plays and concerts.

Lilau Square

Walking to Lilau Square, you’ll realize that it is more quieter here and there are less crowd. I like it here better than the other squares.

Lilau, in Portuguese means “mountain spring”, where this used to be the principal source of water in Macao. Since the location of Lilau is close to the Inner Harbour, it is the first place inhabited by Portuguese settlers. Which is why it is no surprise that the buildings around Lilau Square are mostly Portuguese style and very Southern Europe-influenced.

St. Lawrence Church

St Lawrence Church

Located right smack at Lilau Square, St. Lawrence Church is said to be the most prominent building at the area, where most of the Portuguese settlers will come for prayers. Originally built in mid-1600’s, it is one of the three oldest churches in Macao. The are surrounding the church used to be an affluent neighbourhood, hence why the building is grander and the architecture is slightly different than the other churches. It is neo-classical with a hint of Baroque.

St. Lawrence Church

The interior of the church is as grand as the exterior. With stained glass windows and a large altar, this is definitely a beautiful looking church.

Moorish Barracks

Moorish Barracks

As I walk along, I came across the Moorish Barracks that looked very different than the other buildings that I’ve seen so far. The building shows Islamic influence in its designs so it would seem slightly out of place. The building, built in 1874 by and Italian architect Cassuto was said to accommodate Indian regiment from Goa. Now however, the building housed offices of Marine and Water Bureau of Macao SAR.

I imagine the building would look really beautiful at night, once the lights are on.

Company of Jesus Square

Company of Jesus Square

At first, I didn’t even know that the name of the square in front of Ruins of St. Paul’s is called Company Of Jesus Square. There are many buildings surrounding this square and most of then were constructed between 1920 and 1930. There are also two buildings that are 19th century neo-classical.

This square is also bustling with activities, with people taking photos near Ruins of St. Paul’s, shops selling food and also pathway heading back to Senado Square.

Ruins of St. Paul’s

St. Paul's Ruins

St. Paul's Ruins

The Church of Mater Dei was built in 1602-1640 and the Ruins of St. Paul’s is the facade of what remains of that church. This church was part of St. Paul’s College, the first western-styled university in the Far East.

In 1835, there was a fire and the College and church were burnt, leaving only the facade, most of the foundation and the front steps. There’s a mix of both eastern and western styles on the facade. Ruins of St. Paul’s functions symbolically as an altar to the city.

Did you know there’s also Ruins of St. Paul’s in Malaysia’s own state of Malacca?

Written by 

LizzaBella is a part-time traveler, amateur photographer and videographer and writer. Connect with LizzaBella through her social medias today!

28 thoughts on “What To Do For 5 Hours In Macao

  1. Rajinnya dia berjalan. I use to be able to walk long distance. Nowadays dah kurang sikit. Travelling needs good stamina. Hope to gain that back again.

  2. I thought I am somewhere in the Europe… @@ So it is Macao!

  3. Oh oh I spotted my name right there 😀 I didn’t know Macao is soooo much into church buildings and stuff…. Thank you for sharing! I felt like i’ve learned something new today. HAHA

  4. So many lovely building in Macao. Wish I will be there soon. Good info babe

  5. I’ve been to Macau for a day trip.. love it! Although i didn’t manage to visit some of the places you mentioned.. was to busy eating Portuguese tarts! LOL

  6. I would have stayed at a shopping complex or a shopping street and stayed there for 5 hours too. Not that I do not like walking. Unless the shopping area bores me, then I would do the walking

  7. I never been to Macau before. Love the historical building here.

  8. Out of so many suggestion places I only know St. Paul’s! Thanks for the suggestion planning to go Macau soon 😀

  9. The building in Macao is so historical! Not sure when I have the chance to visit here and HK Disneyland =D

  10. Been to Macau twice but not every church you mentioned. next time will take note

  11. wow….going soon…need to bookmark your post and do research!!!Thanks for sharing!!

  12. haven’t been Macao before ~ All the church looks so unique and nice . Will take a look when i visit there.

  13. Betty Liew says:

    When I was in Macao, I have visit Ruin od St Paul’s, Visit their casino. The best part is visit 3 lamp district.

  14. 5 hours and you can go all these interesting spots? wow, thanks for sharing bella..

  15. i would definitely take a lot of architectural pics if i’m in macao, they are so classic and beautiful, visiting those historical sights etc.

  16. I think I have never been to Macau before. Have I?! Gosh… Haha.. Thanks for sharing.

  17. very good guide, 5 hours and won’t miss anything good! thanks so much yo!

  18. Yah! Probably can visit the tourist spots around the town. It’s quite close to each other and also the cafe, pastries shops and restaurants.

  19. I love the moorish barracks!
    This looks like a lesser known place as I don’t see much people posting this when they talk about Macau.

  20. Like the buildings at Macao, so colorful and unique with rich history background 🙂

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