In the footsteps of Portugal's greatest poet
Distinguished for its grey color and neoclassical pediment, St. Anthony Church (Santo Antonio) is one of Macau's three oldest churches, and while the current building
was completed only at 1930, its predecessors date back to the mid 16th century, when the original bamboo and wood structure was first erected by the Jesuits, who also used it as their first headquarters in Macau
Luis de Camoes Garden, just across the street from St. Anthony Church, is a lovely well groomed park, where you can take a nice stroll and enjoy rocky landscapes and city views and although it is one of the less known of Macau attractions, it is well worth visiting...
Named after Luís de Camões, Portugal's national poet, the park is a popular meeting place for early risers who come here for their morning exercise of Tai Chi, as well as for the elderly who come here with their caged birds.
The park's main attraction is the grotto where the legendary poet worked on his famous epic poem, Os Lusíadas ("The Lusiads"), during the time he lived in Macau.
Right at the entrance to the grotto there is a 19th century bust, commemorating Camões and his famous poem.
At the entrance to the garden, when coming from St. Anthony Church, there is a fountain with an abstract bronze statue, called "Embrace". The sculpture symbolizes the old friendship between Portugal and China.
How to get there: St. Anthony Church and Luis de Camoes Garden are just a few minutes walk from the Ruins of St. Paul's: Take Rua de S. Paulo (which becomes Rua de Santo Antonio) and walk along it until you reach the church.
There is a bus station near the entrance to the park. Click here to see how it can be reached from every place-of-interest in Macau.
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Attractions and sightseeing spots near St. Anthony Church and Luis de Camoes Garden
The Old Protestant Cemetery and Casa Garden
Lin Kai Temple and Cinema Alegria
The Fire Services Museum of Macau (Museu dos Bombeiros)
Ruins of St. Paul's
Fortaleza do Monte and the Museum of Macau
Na Tcha Temple and the old city walls
St. Anthony Church and Luis de Camoes Garden are part of our suggested walking-tour: Macau City Centre
