Ruins of St. Paul’s Forecourt

Ruins of St. Paul’s Forecourt

The Camões Park in Macau covers a vast area, featuring rolling hills, towering ancient trees, abundant flowers, and the constant chirping of birds. Even during the peak of summer, the park feels like a cool and tranquil world.

Legend also says that the renowned Portuguese poet Luís de Camões once resided here and penned his immortal epic “Os Lusíadas.” In his honor, the Portuguese erected a bronze statue of Camões in a stone grotto within the park, which is also known as Camões Park. This statue of Camões, who lived over four hundred years ago, was cast in 1866 by the Portuguese Macau governor, Andrés Rodrigues da Silva.

There are also ten Portuguese-style stone mosaics on the ground of the park, all themed around the epic “Os Lusíadas.” The square features a fountain and a large artistic sculpture titled “Embrace.” Occasional open-air concerts are held in Camões Park, along with the annual Feast of St. Anthony procession.

The origin of the park’s name has an interesting backstory. In the mid-18th century, this site was originally the residence of a wealthy Portuguese merchant named Andrés Rodrigues da Silva, who loved raising pigeons—hundreds of them soared through the sky in a spectacular sight. From a distance, the pavilions and towers looked like bird nests, hence the name “Camões Park” (Pigeon Nest Park).

Next to Camões Park stands a two-story building with Southern European architectural features. This was once the original site of the Camões Museum, and now houses the headquarters of the Orient Foundation. To honor the poet and commemorate his legacy, an annual grand ceremony is held on June 10th in his memory.

Location: Beside Camões Park, northwest side of the Macau Peninsula

Transportation: Take bus routes 10, 10A, 11, 21A, 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 26A, or 33 in Macau, get off at Senado Square, and walk to the destination