Ruins of St. Paul's

Ruins of St. Paul's

Located in Senado Square, the Cathedral, also known as the "Great Church" or "Big Temple," has a long history. It was originally built in 1567 as a small wooden structure, which, after years of weathering, fell into disrepair. In 1849, the Catholic community raised funds for its reconstruction, giving the building its present outline. In 1937, the Cathedral was again rebuilt with reinforced concrete, resulting in its current magnificent appearance. This site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2005, becoming China's 31st World Heritage site.

Typical Mediterranean in style, the stained glass windows, wooden Portuguese screens, and the statue of the Virgin Mary are all valuable cultural relics.

Situated on a hill near Senado Square, the Cathedral has long been the center of Catholicism in Macau. To its right is the Bishop’s Palace, home to the Macau Catholic Diocesan Curia, the highest administrative body of Catholicism in Macau. Major Catholic events such as the annual Midnight Mass and the Procession of the Image of Jesus are held here. The Cathedral is also known as the "Great Church," not because it is the largest church in Macau, but due to its symbolic representation of solemnity and authority.

As early as 1575, the Catholic Church established a diocese in Macau. Known as the "City of the Name of God," Macau became a hub for the spread of Catholicism in the Far East. The following year, the Cathedral was constructed, and beneath its grand altar lie several ancient tombs, including those of Bishops Melchior Carneiro, João de Casal, and D. Belchior Carneiro Leitão, containing remains or relics from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The most distinctive features of the church are its artistically colored stained glass windows and the twin bell towers on the left and right. Major celebrations of the local church are always held here. The Cathedral is dedicated to the renowned Saint Peter.

The architecture boasts strong Spanish religious characteristics, with an exterior that is majestic and pure, and an interior adorned with intricate details. It once housed numerous Catholic relics and historic artifacts. Religious masterpieces such as "The Baptism of Saint John" and "The Crucifixion of Japanese Christians in Nagasaki" are also preserved within the Cathedral.

Today, the Cathedral has undergone multiple renovations. The square in front is paved with traditional Portuguese cobblestones, and there is a charming small fountain, creating an elegant and tranquil atmosphere. From this elevated spot, it takes no more than two minutes to reach Senado Square, Avenida Central, or Nam Van District. The contrast between the lively surroundings and the serene Cathedral is striking, offering visitors a unique shift from sacred solemnity to bustling city life.

The term "cathedral" comes from the Greek word Kathedra (in English, "Seat" or "Chair"). In the early days of Christianity, the twelve apostles or their successors personally presided over churches. These churches used the chair once sat on by Christ’s apostles as a symbol to remind all believers that the church is “apostolic,” with bishops being the successors of the apostles.