ICCA Asia Pacific Client Supplier Workshop
Macau Discovery Tour – September 2013
Half-day Macao- UNESCO World Heritage Tour
Macao is full of historic churches and public buildings, cobbled streets, picturesque squares and Chinese temples. Macao’s historic centre is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our blend of indigenous Chinese culture and 400 years of Portuguese colonial influence provides a truly unique cultural backdrop, waiting for your discovery of various magnificent heritage sites with wonderful stories!
HALF DAY TOUR INCLUDES:
1. Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre
For views of the Pearl River Delta by day or the city lights by night, nothing surpasses the Macau Tower. Having ascended to the Tower's upper limits in high-speed glass-fronted lifts, an unforgettable vista awaits you.
The Tower is 338m high at its highest point. The main observation level is 223m above ground. From the highest viewing deck it is possible to see 55km away. The Tower can withstand winds of up to 400km/h. The Tower was designed principally by Gordon Moller of CCMBECA, New Zealand.
AJ Hackett also offers Bungy Jumps from the world’s highest bungy jump, Skywalks and Tower Climbs from 233m up.
2. A-MA Temple
Approximately four hundred years ago the Portuguese landed on a sea promontory near a temple. They asked the local inhabitants the name of the land, but the locals misunderstood, thinking that the Portuguese were asking
for the name of the temple. So they answered 'Ma Ge'. Later, the Portuguese translated the named into 'Macau' and used it to refer to the land.
The A-Ma Temple is the oldest temple here. It was constructed in the year of 1488 of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to commemorate Mazu, the sacred sea goddess who blesses the fishermen. The variety of pavilions dedicated to the worship of different deities in a single complex make A-Ma Temple an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs.
3. Ruins of St. Paul’s
The Ruins of St. Paul's refer to the facade of what was originally the Church of Mater Dei built in 1602-1640, destroyed by fire in 1835, and the ruins of St. Paul's College, which stood adjacent to the Church. As a whole, the old Church of Mater Dei, St. Paul's College and Mount Fortress were all Jesuit constructions and formed what can be perceived as the Macau's "acropolis". Close by, the archaeological remains of the old College of St. Paul stand witness to what was the first western-style university in the Far East, with an elaborate academic programme.
4. St. Dominic’s Church
Founded in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests who originally came from Acapulco in Mexico, this church is also connected to the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary. It was here that the first Portuguese newspaper was published on Chinese soil, A Abelha da China ("The China Bee"), on 12th September 1822. The bell tower at the back of the building, has been modified into a small Museum of Sacred Art, now exhibiting a collection of around 300 artifacts.
The square is so named as since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) it has been in front of the Leal Senado Building. During the era of Portuguese control this is where the local authorities used to review the troops on their inaugurations. In the early 1990s, the authority hired some Portuguese experts to pave the square with a wave-patterned mosaic of colored stones. From then on this area has become a popular place for cultural activities in Macau. The buildings around the Senado Square have a long history and have many western features, so they have been well protected by the authority and no one is allowed to alter the facades of these buildings.
6. Taipa Houses Museum
The Taipa Houses were built in 1921, which had been the residences for high superior civil servants and Macanese families. In late 1990's, the government decided to fully remodel them, recognizing their important architectural value, transforming them into museums which include five typical green houses with Macanese architectural characteristics of Portuguese matrix.
The "Macanese House" is one of the Macau's typical houses in colonial style. It reminds visitors of a period of Portuguese splendor that was characterized by frequent influence of the British, Manchu, Mandarins and traders in this tiny territory.
Time of tours
09:00-13:00 The Venetian Macao Hotel OR 14:00-18:00
Costs
Adult MOP400 / USD50
Pick-up location
The Venetian Macao Hotel: CotaiTravel, Shop 1028
To book and for more information, please contact: Eric Cheang [email protected] Tel: (853) 8118 1061
Photos Courtesy of Macau Government Tourist Office