| Macau is a wonderful city to stroll around. If you’re
feeling energetic you could walk to almost all of its sights in one single
day (the entire territory covering 7 sq mi/17 sq km). We loved the feeling
we got roaming the hilly winding streets and the back alleys. Although the
European-style architecture and plazas are unusual for this part of the
world, you would never mistake Macau for Lisbon.
The territory’s most famous landmark is the Church of Sao Paulo (circa
1600). All that remains is the facade—the rest of the church was destroyed
by fire in 1835. However, it’s worth climbing the imposing set of stairs to
view the ruins up close, especially at night when the lit-up city is spread
out below. Farther on, another set of stairs leads to the Citadel of Sao
Paulo do Monte where you can still see the cannon that helped repel the
Dutch invasion of 1622. The view of the city and countryside is fantastic.
If time permits, visit the temple of the Goddess A-Ma as well as Lin Fong
Temple. Then see the old Protestant cemetery where early non-Catholic
settlers and traders are interred (an ancestor of Winston Churchill is
buried there). Visit the Lou Lim Ioc garden, but only if you’re not going to
see any of the large formal gardens in China. Restoration Row in northern
Macau is an interesting area of 1920s buildings restored by the government.
Take a walk down the Praia Grande to see some of the older buildings
including Government House and the Macau Governor’s Residence (built in
1849).
At night the main entertainment revolves around casinos jai alai and
horse racing. It’s also possible to make day trips into China by passing
through Macau’s symbol the 'Barrier Gate'.
Jai alai has now been banned as it is too dangerous.
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