Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady, Macau 澳門主教座堂, 澳门
The Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady (Sé Catedral da Natividade de Nossa Senhora; Igreja da Sé) in Macau is the Roman Catholic cathedral of the Diocese of Macau.
History
The site was originally just a small wooden chapel in the early 1600s. It was elevated to cathedral status in 1623 when the Diocese of Macau was established. It is thus one of the oldest Catholic centers in East Asia.
The first substantial stone cathedral was consecrated in 1850. However, the structure suffered serious damage in severe weather and underwent several rebuilds. The present form of the cathedral, in reinforced concrete, was completed in 1937.
Design
The cathedral's façade is symmetrical, rooted in neoclassical architecture with classical pilasters, a triangular pediment, and twin bell towers flanking either side. The exterior is clad in stone on the front and plaster on the sides. In front lies a cobbled square with a small fountain and a cross.
The cathedral follows a Latin cross plan with a single nave and transepts, typical of Catholic cathedrals.
The interior color scheme is a characteristic light green, and the restrained décor conveys a quiet grandeur and solemnity. Behind the main altar, stained glass windows filter sunlight.
The cathedral houses several pieces of historic religious art and relics, including paintings such as The Baptism of Saint John and relics connected with Japanese Catholics martyred in Nagasaki, Japan.
Although not as lavishly decorated as Baroque churches, the interior's sense of light, proportion, and devotional focus gives it a deeply contemplative atmosphere. Major religious celebrations and processions often begin or culminate here, especially during Lent and feast days.
Bishop's Palace
The Bishop's Palace stands adjacent to the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady in Largo da Sé and serves as the official residence of the Bishop of Macau. Originally established in the 17th century alongside the creation of the Diocese of Macau in 1623, the palace has been rebuilt and renovated several times, with much of its present structure reflecting 19th- and early 20th-century design. Beyond its residential function, the palace has historically been an administrative center for Catholic missionary activity across East Asia. It is not generally open to the public.
Address & Information
Largo de Sé (大堂前地), Macao.
Located in Largo de Sé in the historic centre of Macau, the church is just a 5 minute walk from Senado Square.
Other places of interest nearby are Dom Pedro V Theatre, St. Dominic's Church, St. Augustine's Church, the Holy House of Mercy (Santa Casa da Misericordia), the Ruins of St. Paul's (Ruínas de São Paulo) and St Joseph Seminary Church.
Visitors can also reach the church conveniently by bus: numbers 2, 3, 5, 6A, 8, 9A, 16, 28B or on foot as part of a walking tour of Macau's UNESCO-listed historic district.
Hours: Usually morning to early evening (often 7.30 am to 6.30 pm or 8 pm depending on season). Admission free.
Macau Essentials
- For cheap flights to Macau check elong.com. A lot of budget airlines (Bangkok Airways, Jetstar Asia, AirAsia, Tiger Airways etc.) fly to Macau.
Macau International Airport has flights to a number of international destinations worldwide including Bangkok, Manila, Seoul and Taiwan and to many other Chinese cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shanghai, Shantou, Xianmen and Xian. - Trains - for non-fliers the best option is to take a train to Hong Kong from Beijing West Railway Station and then a ferry to Macau.
Tip: A cheap / fast way to get from Beijing to Macau is to fly from Beijing to Shenzhen and then take a coach to Hong Kong. The flight from Beijing to Shenzhen is considered domestic and therefore much cheaper compared with flying to Hong Kong direct. - Buses and taxis are the major modes of public transport in Macau. Pedicabs are also available for sightseeing. Macau drives on the right, like the rest of China, except Hong Kong.
- Visas: most passport holders of Western countries receive a free 30 or 90-day visa on arrival. To re-enter China requires a multiple entry Chinese visa, or a valid single/double entry visa.
Accommodation in Macau
Grand Lapa Hotel
For those looking for a comfortable and family friendly hotel, then a hidden gem is the Grand Lapa Hotel which is located directly next to Fisherman's Wharf and the Sands Hotel.
The hotel has undergone a transformation and has elegant interiors as well as some newly renovated hotel rooms. The hotel also has a modern spa, gym facilities and a swimming pool which has a water slide as as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi.
The Grand Lapa Hotel also offers a whole host of organised activities for children so parents can have a break. In terms of dining, visitors can try the Cafe Bela Vista, Naam Thai restaurant and Kam Lai Heen Chinese restaurant. The hotel's breakfast buffet is also very famous and worth sampling.
Address: Grand Lapa, 956 - 1110 Avenida Da Amizade, Macau
Wynn Palace Hotel
For those looking for more glitz and glamour in terms of accommodation then they can book accommodation at one of the most over the top hotels in Macau, namely the Wynn Palace. An incredible and vast structure, not only does the interior mimic the exterior in term of glamour and opulence, the hotel boasts an incredible water show and its own cable car system.
The hotel has a famed buffet and also boasts some international acclaimed restaurants such as Sichuan Moon, SW Steakhouse and Japanese specialities at Mizumi. If visitors love shopping then the Wynn Esplanade is a shopping mecca spread over 106,000 square metres.
Address: Avenida Da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macau
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