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Side view of the Ruins of St. Paul's showing its architectural details

Ruins of St. Paul's

The Ruins of St. Paul's stands as Macau's most iconic landmark, representing a perfect fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles. This historic facade is what remains of the Church of St. Paul, originally built in the 17th century. Today, it serves as a symbol of Macau's rich cultural heritage and its historical position as a meeting point between East and West.

Front view of the Ruins of St. Paul's in Macau

Historical Background

The story of the Ruins of St. Paul's begins in 1602 during the Ming Dynasty. The original Church of St. Paul (Mater Dei) was constructed by Jesuit priests with the help of Japanese Christian craftsmen and Chinese artisans. The church was completed between 1637 and 1640, becoming the largest Catholic church in East Asia at the time.

The church faced several devastating fires throughout its history. After surviving fires in 1595 and 1601, a catastrophic fire in 1835 destroyed most of the complex, leaving only the iconic stone facade and grand staircase that we see today. The fire started in the church's kitchen where military supplies were stored, quickly spreading throughout the structure.

Side view of the Ruins of St. Paul's showing its architectural details

Architectural Marvel

The facade stands 23 meters wide and 25.5 meters high, crafted entirely from granite. Its design represents a unique blend of European Renaissance and Eastern architectural elements, divided into five distinct levels:

  1. Ground Level: Features three doorways with ten Ionic columns. The main entrance bears the Latin inscription "MATER DEI" (Mother of God), while the side entrances display "IHS" (Iesus Hominum Salvator).

  2. Second Level: Adorned with ten Corinthian columns and three windows. Four bronze statues of Jesuit saints stand in niches: St. Francis Borgia, St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Louis Gonzaga.

  3. Third Level: The most elaborately decorated section, featuring the Virgin Mary at its center. The level includes various religious symbols and Chinese elements, including:

    • The Tree of Life and a seven-headed hydra
    • A Portuguese sailing ship
    • Chinese-style lion sculptures serving as water spouts

  4. Fourth Level: Centers on Jesus Christ, surrounded by instruments of his passion and angels.

  5. Fifth Level: Topped with a dove symbol representing the Holy Spirit, surrounded by celestial symbols including the sun, moon, and stars. A cross crowns the entire structure.

Getting There

By Public Transport

  • Multiple bus routes serve the area: 10, 10A, 11, 17, 21A, 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 26A, 33
  • Alight at Rua de S. Paulo or Rua da Palha
  • Walking time from bus stops: 5-10 minutes
  • Bus fare: 3-6 MOP

By Taxi

  • Available throughout Macau
  • Starting fare: 19 MOP (first 1.6 km)
  • Additional charge: 2 MOP per 240 meters
  • Journey time from central Macau: approximately 15 minutes

Nearby Attractions

Macau Museum

  • Located adjacent to the ruins
  • Three floors of exhibits covering Macau's history and culture
  • Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 (closed on Mondays)
  • Admission: 15 MOP for adults

Monte Fort

  • Built in 1617-1626
  • Offers panoramic views of Macau
  • Houses part of the Macau Museum
  • Free admission to the fort grounds

Rua do Cunha (Food Street)

Located within walking distance, this street offers famous local delicacies:

  • Portuguese egg tarts (Lord Stow's Bakery)
  • Pork chop buns
  • Almond cookies
  • Macanese-style beef offal

Local Cuisine

Must-Try Foods Near the Ruins:

  1. Portuguese Egg Tarts
  • Margaret's Café (澳门玛嘉烈蛋挞)
  • Price: ~15 MOP per tart
  • Best eaten fresh and warm
  1. Pork Chop Buns
  • Tai Lei Loi Kei (大利来记)
  • Price: ~59 MOP
  • Signature crispy bun with tender pork chop
  1. Coconut Ice Cream
  • Hung Heong Coconut (洪馨椰子)
  • Price: 20-30 MOP
  • Features real coconut pieces

Visitor Tips

  1. Opening Hours
  • Ruins facade: 24/7
  • Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt: 9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30)
  • Closed Tuesday afternoons
  1. Weather Considerations
  • Average temperature: 22.3°C
  • Summer (June-September): Hot and humid, bring sun protection
  • Winter (December-February): Mild, light jacket recommended
  1. Currency
  • Local currency: Macau Pataca (MOP)
  • HKD and RMB widely accepted
  • Exchange available at banks and licensed vendors
  1. Best Time to Visit
  • Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends
  • Special illumination during evenings
  1. Cultural Etiquette
  • Respect the religious nature of the site
  • Photography allowed but be mindful of other visitors
  • Avoid climbing or touching the facade

The Ruins of St. Paul's represents not just a historical monument but a symbol of Macau's unique cultural identity. Its preservation serves as a testament to the city's commitment to maintaining its rich heritage while embracing its modern development.