Macau Catholic Churches - Ancient and Historic Churches in Macao

The Portuguese established the city of Macau in 1557 to be a trading post and a bastion of Christianity as well. Thus from the very beginning the fledging town was called "City of the Name of God, Macau". Immediately, the first priests started to build Catholic churches, initially of wood and matting, soon of rammed clay, and later of stone and plaster from the mid-17th century onwards.

Catholic Churches

The ancient Catholic Churches of Macau are dedicated either to the Blessed Virgin Mary (in one of her many titles) and other popular saints, as is common in other places. Most Catholic Churches were built by the Jesuits and other monastic orders often with funds provided by the city and Portuguese Crown.

The architectural style is predominantly European baroque with touches of Goan (India), Oriental and tropical features as can be seen in roofs of Chinese tiles, panels of terra-cotta and Eastern motifs carved on some facades. Most of the Catholic Churches today are restored or rebuilt buildings after fires and tropical storms have taken tsheir toll.

Catholic Mass Schedule

Many of these churches are still fully functional. The Catholic Church continues to play an important role in the life of Macau. It maintains several hospitals, schools, old people's homes, refugee centres and other charitable institutions. Masses are said every day in most Catholic Churches and schedules are posted on the doors.

MACAU PENINSULA

Cathedral of Macau

The Cathedral is a relatively new building built on the site of the church that used to be the mother a diocese that extended from China, Japan, Korea and other islands.

Ruins of St Paul College

St Paul's Cathedral was a 16th-century cathedral in Macau. Today, with 66 stone steps leading to the facade, the ruins of the church are Macau's most famous tourist site.

St Lawrence Catholic Church

This is one of the more beautiful Catholic Churches of Macau. St. Lawrence Church was originally built of wood in the 1560, rebuilt in clay in 1618 and finally reconstructed in stone around 1803.

St Dominic Catholic Church

This baroque Filipino style church was built by the Spanish Dominican friars in the mid 16th century. Next to it was the monastery. Originally built in wood it was rebuilt in 1828.

St Lazarus Catholic Church

The Hermitage of Our Lady of Hope, also known as Santo Lazaro, was first built on this spot in 1570 as a place of worship for lepers. The exisiting church dates back to 1882.

Hill of Penha Catholic Church

Built on top Colina da Penha (Penha Hill), also known as Bishop Hill, is a Chapel of Our Lady of Penha. First built in 1622 the chapel was erected by the crew and passengers of a ship which had a narrow escape from the Dutch pirates.

St Augustine Catholic Church

The St Augustine Catholic Church is part of a monastery founded in 1586 by Spaniards. The facade was originally of Baroque style but the existing facade is more neoclassic dating from 1874.

St Anthony Catholic Church

St Anthony Catholic Church is consider to be the very first church of Macau. The original church was built in 1588. The present church dates back to 1930 and 1950 remodelling.

St Joseph Seminary Catholic Church

This church was opened in 1758 as part of the Jesuit seminary of St. Joseph. This is beautiful church and is a favorite subject for artists. It has cruciform shape, a high domed ceiling and exceptional acoustics.

Chapel of St James or Saotiago

Up on top of another hill of Macau and a former fort is a tiny chapel built in 1740. The former Barra Fort is now an architectural part of the Portuguese inn, or Pousada.

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church

This contemporay Catholic Church (c1968) is in the industrial Bairro Tamagnini Barbosa in the north of the city. Interesting features include side walls lined with stained-glass panels and a wooden crucifix on a red brick wall. This is one of the most active Parishes in Macau.

St Joseph Catholic Church Parish

St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church has a side that faces China that resembles two opens arms, as if in a welcoming attitude to the multitude of Chinese to come to meet and to know Christ.

Our Lady of Guia Chapel

Chaper The chapel of Our Lady of Guia was built in 1622 in the highest point of the Macau peninsula. The need of this fortress was apparent after the first Dutch attack to the city.

Cemetery of St Michael Catholic Church

Set in the historic Catholic Cemetery, this small chapel dates back to 1875. The pastel green and white walls and beautiful stain glass windows makes this a very charming chapel. It is surrounded by some of the finest stone carvings.

PROTESTANT HERITAGE

Protestant Chapel

This chapel is located inside the Protestant cemetery where 150 British and American graves recall the days of the foreign trading and naval presence in Macau.

Top of Macau Catholic Churches

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