Historic Centre of Macao

Historic Old City Area of Macao

The Historic Centre of Macao, also known as the Historic Old City Area of Macao (formerly referred to as the Historic Architecture Complex of Macao), consists of 22 buildings located on the Macao Peninsula and their adjacent 8 squares or “largo” areas, forming a historic district centered around the old city. On July 15, 2005, during the 29th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, all 21 member states unanimously approved the inscription, officially adding China’s “Historic Centre of Macao” to the World Heritage List, making it China’s 31st World Heritage site.

The Historic Centre of Macao is the oldest, largest, most well-preserved, and most concentrated complex of coexisting Eastern and Western architectural styles in China. It includes China’s oldest church ruins and monastery, oldest Christian cemetery, oldest Western-style fort complex, first Western-style theater, first modern lighthouse, and first Western-style university, among others. As the first overseas territory established by a European nation in East Asia, the area has witnessed over 400 years of cultural exchange and harmonious coexistence between Chinese and Western civilizations. Due to this blend of Eastern and Western cultures, most structures in the district feature a distinctive fusion of Chinese and Western architectural elements. A large portion of the buildings within the district remain well-preserved or continue to serve their original functions today.

The World Heritage Committee describes the Historic Centre of Macao as “a testimony to the development of Western religious culture in China and the Far East, as well as to the historical roots of the spread of Chinese folk religions to the West.” and “the oldest surviving Western architectural heritage in China, representing a synthesis of Eastern and Western architectural art.” This highlights that the Historic Centre of Macao is the place in China where modern Western artifacts and culture were first encountered, in the greatest quantity, and with the most significant impact. It is also the first entry point of modern Western architecture into China.

Location: Mong-Há District, Macao

Transportation: Take bus No. 10, 10A, 11, 18, 21, 21A, 1, 1A, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 26, 28B, or 34 in Macao and get off at Senado Square.