[PLACE] 20141224 Ruins of St. Paul's 大三巴牌坊 @ Macau

15:31 4-Star Attraction , Attraction , Church , Free , Guide , Heritage , Historical , Macau , Place , Ruins , Ruins of St Paul's , St Paul's , Travel 0 Comments

The Ruins of St Paul's is a remaining façade of the St Paul's church that was destroyed in a fire during a typhoon in 1835. The original church was built in 1602 and completed in 1640, being one of the largest church in Asia during the days.

The ruin is now Macau's famous tourist destination and it is a must come for every visitor to Macau. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 2005.

TO GO

The Ruins of St Paul's is located on a hill, next to Monte Fort, near to Senado Square. Visitors usually arrives at Senado Square first before continue to Ruins of St Paul's. However, visitors can also choose to visit the ruins first via the nearby bus stop.

Bus Stop nearby Ruins of St Paul's: Bus No. 7, 7A, 8, 17

Alternatively, visitors can opt for the free shuttle bus provided by the casinos nearby. The nearest casino will be the famous Grand Lisboa. The Senado Square is just about 5 minutes walking distance away from the Grand Lisboa.

Bus Stop nearby Senado Sqaure: Bus No. Bus No. 3, 4, 6 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A.

ATTRACTION

What's special about the ruins is similar to what our A' Famosa in Melaka has to offer. In fact, I think our A' Famosa has more to offer than just a remaining façade. Both shares the similarity of the Portuguese heritage. The ruins is located on a hill and requires some climb up (around 10 minutes) along the busy pedestrian streets from Senado Square. A lot of merchandise and souvenir shops are located at both sides of the streets and trying their best to get you to buy their products.

The Ruins of St Paul's is located at a very strategic location with the Senado Square, Monte Fort and Museum of Macau all within the same location. There are also a few cathedrals and temples around like the Na Tcha Temple, Yui Seng Lonh Mou Temple and Guan Di Temple around here if you are more adventurous of the spiritual type of tourist.

It was a gloomy Christmas Eve and the ruins is flocked with thousands of tourists from all around the world.

If you are into ancient heritage and architecture, you probably will be more interested in the ruins than I am.

It's quite challenging to have a clean picture without human heads obstructing your view. This is the remain of the St Paul's church, where millions of tourists will come to visit every year.

The back of the ruins lies the remaining pillar and shrine of the church, there's also some signboards at both side of the opening area showing you the original layout of the church.

There's nothing much to see after you walk passed the wall or gate. Time to move on to the Monte Fort located just beside.

SUMMARY

Although it is just a remaining brick wall, the Ruins of St Paul's is worth a visit given it's historical value, or simply for the "been here, done that" check-ins. Recommended to complete your tour with all the surrounding attractions.

Attraction	☆☆☆☆ Historical and cultural value.
Cleanliness	☆☆☆☆☆
Entrance Fee	Free
Opening Hours	Daily
Wifi	Yes but limited connection.
Parking	N/A
Website	N/A

GPS: 22.197424, 113.540868