Located at the intersection of Macau's centuries-old cultural and commercial veins, M8 is surrounded by eight UNESCO World Heritage sites within a radius of over one hundred meters, possessing world-class cultural and commercial significance.
CULTURE
photo provided by "Arquivo de Macau"
From A-Ma Temple to Senado Square and then to Ruins of St. Paul's, this route establishes the unchanged urban context of Macau for centuries. Over 400 years of blending Portuguese and Chinese cultures have given birth to 30 world cultural heritage sites. Once a gathering place for Chinese and Portuguese residents, it now attracts tourists from around the world.
M8 is situated at the heart of this Macau context, towering over Senado Square, overlooking the ever-changing landscape of Macau.
3 Cultural Heritage Sites in Macau
1. A-Ma Temple: Located approximately 1.3 kilometers from M8, it is the oldest surviving temple in Macau. It is believed that the Portuguese mistakenly used its sound “MACAU” to refer to the name of Macau.
2. Senado Square: Located approximately 50 meters from M8, it is the square in front of Leal Senado (formerly the Municipal Council of Macau). Popularly known as the “Fountain Square,” it has remained the unchanged city center of Macau since its establishment and serves as the cultural and commercial hub of Macau. It is also the main entrance to the Ruins of St. Paul’s.
3. Ruins of St. Paul’s: Located approximately 700 meters from M8, it was built in 1602 and was once the largest Catholic church in the East – St. Paul’s Church. Despite being destroyed by fire in 1835, its facade remains standing and has become a symbol of Macau today.
photo provided by "Arquivo de Macau"
From the main street of the Rua Dos Mercadores, to Rua Central and Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, centuries of intermingling between Chinese and Western cultures, bustling crowds, have shaped Macau's premier business district—the Senado Square District. This area has witnessed the creation of numerous "firsts" in Macau's commercial history, and remains the most valuable commercial hub in Macau today.
3 Commercial Center in Macau
1. Rua dos Mercadores: Located approximately 150 meters from M8, it was the commercial center of Macau during the 16th to 18th centuries. At that time, this area was a coastal zone where Portuguese traders conducted business, giving rise to the first commercial street in Macau known as “Rua de Macau” (which later evolved into Rua dos Mercadores).
2. Rua Central: Located approximately 30 meters from M8, it was the commercial center of Macau in the 19th century. Its Portuguese name, Rua Central, made it the preferred location for business activities at that time.
3. Avenida Almeida Ribeiro: Located approximately 20 meters from M8, it became the commercial center of Macau in the 20th and 21st centuries. It was straightened and completed in 1918, witnessing the bustling commercial prosperity of Macau over the past century.
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8 Surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Sites around M8
01
Senado Square
Senado Square has been Macao's urban centre for centuries, and is still the most popular venue for public events and celebrations today. Located close to the former Senate building, Sam Kai Vui Kun ( Kuan Tai Temple ) is also a reminder of the active participation of the local Chinese community in general civic affairs, providing a clear example of the multicultural dimension of the Macao community. The square is surrounded by pastel coloured neo-classical buildings, creating a consistent and harmonious Mediterranean atmosphere.
02
Holy House Of Mercy
Established by the first Bishop of Macao in 1569, this institution was modelled after one of the most prominent and oldest charitable organizations in Portugal, and was responsible for founding in Macao the first western-style medical clinic and several other social welfare structures that still function to this day. The building is neo-classical in the overall architectural treatment, but also depicts traces of mannerist influence.
03
Cathedral Square
Whether it is from a religious or a historic point of view, the Cathedral and the other buildings surrounding the Square are highly valued monuments.
04
Cathedral
Built around 1622, the Cathedral was originally constructed with taipa (compound material consisting soil and straw). During the restoration of 1780, the religious services of the Cathedral were temporarily transferred to the old chapel of the Holy House of Mercy. The facade is characterized by pilasters and the twin belfries that stand out on the streetscape. The exterior is clad in Shanghai plaster, giving the church a monolithic subdued appearance.
05
IAM Building
Originally built in 1784, this was Macao's first municipal chamber, a function it maintains to the present. The name "Leal Senado" ("Loyal Senate") derives from the title "City of Our Name of God Macao, There is None More Loyal" which was bestowed by Portuguese King Dom John IV in 1654. The "Leal Senado" Building (now known as IAM Building) is neo-classical in design and has retained all its original master walls and primary layout, including the courtyard garden in the back. Inside the building on the first floor there is a ceremonial meeting room that opens onto an elaborate carved library styled after the library of Mafra Convent in Portugal, and a small chapel.
06
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.
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St. Dominic’s Square
The Square lies in front of St. Dominic’s Church. It not only offers places to rest one’s wearied feet, but there are also vendors either side of the Square selling food, clothing and cosmetics amongst other things.
08
Lou Kau Mansion
The mansion is believed to be built in 1889.This was the home of Lou Kau, a prominent Chinese merchant who owned several imposing properties in the city. The location of this grand old house depicts the diverse social profile present in the centre of the old "Christian City", where this traditional Chinese residence stands near Senado Square and Cathedral Square. Lou Kau Mansion is a two-storey, traditional grey-brick courtyard house, with the architectural characteristics of a typical Xiguan Chinese residential building.