Ruins of St. Paul’s (大三巴)

Constructed from 1602 to 1640 by Jesuit priests who travelled to the Far East to spread Catholicism, the Ruins of St. Paul’s is arguably Macau’s most famous landmark. Though most tourists only see the ruins of what was once “The Vatican of The East”, it serves as a reminder and icon of Macau’s vibrant multicultural society, and its rich history as a strategic military location and prosperous trading port.

The church’s design is one of a kind, featuring a mix of the East and West, a reflection of Macau’s multicultural society. At the top of the façade is a dove – a symbol of the Holy Spirit. European and Asian influences are reflected in the ruins through biblical images, Chinese characters, six Chinese lions, a Portuguese ship and bronze statues. Beneath the dove is a statue of Jesus, and around it are stone carvings of the implements of the crucifixion.

The Ruins of St. Paul’s is situated on a knoll beside the taller Mount Fortress, and offers superb views of the wide plaza below, though this view comes at the cost of walking up several flights of stone stairs, but nonetheless a beautiful must-see sight when in Macau.

The Ruins of St. Paul’s, though overcrowded with thousands of tourists flooding in from countries all around the world, serves as a reminder of Macau’s rich history of religion and military, and is a great introduction to Macau’s multicultural society for tourists.