Macau was established by the Portuguese in the year 1557. Besides being a trading port it also was a bastion of Christianity. As a result the city Macau was also known as “City of the Name of God”. Quite sooner, the priests laid the foundation to build Catholic churches. This article is about the churches that you see in Macau and its neighbourhood.
CATHOLIC CHURCHES
Initially these catholic churches were built of wood and matting. It was from mid 17th century onwards, that the churches began being constructed of stone and plaster. Mostly built by the Jesuits and other monastic orders, these ancient Catholic Churches are dedicated either to Virgin Mary or other popular saints. Designed predominantly in European style, most of these Catholic Churches were destroyed in fires and tropical storms.
Later restored, many of these churches are still in functional condition even today. The churches play a prominent role in Macau’s life as they also maintain many hospitals, schools and charitable institutions like old people’s homes and refugee centers.
ST LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Originally built of wood, St Lawrence Catholic Church (1560) is one of the most beautiful Catholic Churches of Macau. The church was rebuilt of clay in 1618. The final shape in stone came around the year 1803.
The region of Macau peninsula also houses many cathedrals that are worth seeing. Some of them are mentioned below.
RUINS OF ST PAUL COLLEGE
Though this 16th century church is almost tuned to ruins, but with 66 stone steps that lead to facade, it still is one of the most-visited sites for tourists in Macau.
ST DOMINIC CATHOLIC CHURCH
This baroque Filipino style church was built by the Spanish Dominican friars in the mid 16th century. Originally built of wood the church was rebuilt in 1828.
ST LAZARUS CATHOLIC CHURCH
The church that was built on this spot in 1570 was meant mainly for lepers. The existing church was built in 1882.
ST ANTHONY CATHOLIC CHURCH
Firstly built in 1522, St Anthony Catholic Church is believed to be the very first church of Macau. Later the church was reconstructed in 1930 and remodeled in1950.
ST JOSEPH SEMINARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
This beautifully structured church was opened in 1758 as part of the Jesuit seminary of St. Joseph and since then it has been a favorite subject for artists.
ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH PARISH
One side of the St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church resembles two open arms. Since this side faces China, it seems as if the church is welcoming the Chinese.
OUR LADY OF GUIA CHAPEL
This fortress was built in 1622 after the first Dutch attack to the city. This Lady of Guia Chapel is located at the highest point of the Macau peninsula.
Cathedral of Macau, Hill of Penha Catholic Church, St Augustine Catholic Church, Chapel of St James or Saotiago, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and Cemetery of St Michael Catholic Church are the other famous churches in Macau and its peninsula.
Like many other tourist locations, Macau too is a pleasure to explore. If you plan an extensive trip to Macau, then you get to see many more famous churches in the surrounding areas of Macau like Taipa and Coloane Islands, namely Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, St Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Kaho Catholic Church.