Today known as a lucrative port that holds strategic importance in the development of international trade, Macau was once under Portuguese administration for many years; from the mid-16th century until 1999. It was only ten years back in December 1999 that Macau came under Chinese sovereignty. Strange it seems but true it is!
With so much hidden in its past, Macau is a treasure for history seekers. This article presents details about the Historic center of Macau which represents the architectural legacies of the city’s cultural heritage.
A WITNESS TO MACAU’S ENCOUNTERS WITH OTHERS
Macau might not have come in front of the world’s eyes, but it undoubtedly has more than 400-years old deep history, which needs to be explored. The ages-old ancient buildings and structures have seen what Macau and its people have gone through.
Among many facts of Macau known today, is the Historic Centre of Macau which houses the oldest existing accumulation of Eastern and Western architecture. Since most of the ancient structures are located around this area, the Historic Centre of Macau has been a witness to all the past happenings in Macau.
A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
The Historic Centre of Macau was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. Though these buildings may be many years old, but most of them have been preserved perfectly and still are maintained in their original appearance and function.
The Historic Centre of Macao can be divided in two core zones, with each core zone surrounded by a buffer zone. Located between Mount Hill and Barra Hill, the narrow-stripped Zone 1 consists of famous tourist places that include A-Ma Temple, Moorish Barracks, St. Lawrence’s Church, St. Augustine’s Church, Senado Square, St. Dominic’s Church, Mount Fortress and Ruins of St. Paul’s.
Zone 2 covers a park and immediate urban are accompanied by Guia Fortress comprising Guia Chapel and Guia Lighthouse.
A UNIQUE BLEND OF EAST AND WEST
Area’s 400-years old historical streets surrounded with European, Portuguese and Chinese structures, including religious, residential and public buildings set an example how can the aesthetic, architectural, cultural and technological influences of East and West blend at a place and exist so amicably. You fine several Buddhist and Taoist temples standing side-by-side accompanying Christian and Catholic churches; people celebrating traditional Chinese festivals and Western holidays with equal enthusiasm and zeal. Restaurants located around the area serve diverse cuisines; from the flavours of north and South to tastes from east and west.
Apart from the buildings, the Historic Centre of Macau site has a fortress and a lighthouse also. Believed to be the oldest in China, this lighthouse is witness to the earliest encounters between China and the West, which were based on the vibrancy of international trade.
With so much to say and offer, the Historic Centre of Macau really is a place worth seeing. Being a central place, you just can not miss it for its unique collection of buildings that are windows to see the unique assimilation, diversity and co-existence of Chinese and Western cultures in Macau.