The only remain of Asia's once-largest church
The Ruins of St. Paul's, one of the best known of Macau's attractions and possibly the city's most photographed landmark, is standing atop of a massive flight of stone stairs, just a few minutes walk from Largo do Senado.
The impressive southern façade is the only remain of St. Paul's Cathedral and College, which was built by the Jesuits between 1582 and 1602 and was the largest Catholic church in Asia at the time... As a matter fact, the cathedral had made such a name for itself that the royalty of Europe vied with each other to bestow upon it the best gifts...
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After the jesuits were expelled from Macau, sometimes during the 18th century, the Cathedral was taken over by the army and, in 1835, it was destroyed by fire.
The intricate carvings on the façade were done between 1620 and 1627 by Japanese Christians in exile from their homeland and local craftsmen, under the direction of Italian Jesuit Carlo Spinola.
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The carvings on the façade include mainly Jesuit images with oriental themes, such as a woman stepping on a seven-headed hydra, described by Chinese characters as 'the Holy Mother tramples the heads of the dragon'. Other carvings describe the founders of the Jesuit Order, the conquest of death by Jesus, and at the very top, a dove with its wings outstretched.
A steel stairway allows access to the top part of the façade.
The Museum of sacred art and Crypt, at the back side of the façade, is where you can see objects of high historical and artistic value, dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries (mostly related to the history of the catholic missions in the region). The crypt contains the relics of Japanese and Vietnamese martyrs.
The Museum is open daily, 9 am - 6 pm and the entrance is free.
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Getting there: From Largo do Senado: Walk to Santo Domingo church, at the northernmost end of Senado Square's pedestrian area, turn right and immediately left to Ruada Palha, which will take you to Rua de S. Paulo and to the ruins
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You can easily walk to the Ruins of St. Paul's from either Senado Square, or from Luis de Camoes Garden and St. Anthony Church
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Other attractions and sightseeing near 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
The Old Protestant Cemetery and Casa Garden
The Fire Services Museum of Macau (Museu dos Bombeiros)
Senado Square (Largo do Senado)
Ruins of St. Paul's is part of our suggested walking-tour:
Macau City Centre
