The fortress was equipped with sentry posts, ammunition depots and watchtowers. Inside the fortress lie Guia Chapel and Guia Lighthouse. The chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of the Snow. It is the oldest lighthouse on the coast of China.
The construction of Mount Fortress was initiated by the Jesuits in 1617 and completed in 1626.It was once a principal military facility and was one of the city’s strongest defence points. The top platform of Mount Fortress has a landscaped garden offering a commanding view of the cityscape.
The Ruins of St. Paul's refer to the remains of the old Church of Mater Dei and St. Paul's College. Following what is thought to be the architectural design of Italian Jesuit Carlo Spinola and under the direction of Father Valignano.
This Macau travel heritage house was built in around 1889 and was one of the residences of the wealthy Lou Lim Iok family. Constructed in grey brick, this two-storey building is a typical Chinese house divided into a main hall with side wings.
Another hill top Macau tour will reveal the cathedral or S of the Macau Catholic Church. Established around 1622 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Cathedral was always visited by every new Governor who came to place his sceptre, the symbol of authority, next to the statue of the Virgin Mary.
The center of Macau tour: The Leal Senado Building (Loyal Senate Building). Erected in 1784, it faces the Leal Senado Square (Largo do Leal Senado). The architecture style in the Leal Senado building is neo-classical.
In the 18th century Macau was one of the world's richest cities, through trading between China and the west.
Macau lost its dominance in Chinese trade due to the silting of its harbour and the growth of the port of Hong Kong.
As its trade declined, Macau gained a reputation as a smuggling and gambling centre.
In December 1999, Macau reverted back to China as another special administrative region.
Macau is well worth the one hour boat ride from the former British colony of Hong Kong.
The gambling casinos in the territory contribute a large portion of the tax revenues, thanks in part to the visitors from Hong Kong -- the big rollers come in by helicopter.
Macau is a former overseas territory of Portugal, on the south-eastern coast of China, 64 km west of Hong Kong.
My Nick : The Insider
My Name : Alex Martin.
Born in: Orange County.
Age : 37
Hobbies : reading, travel, discover places, board games
