Description: One of the most popular tourist attractions in Macau, the
Ruins of the Church of St. Paul are all that is left of the 16th century complex, which included St. Paul’s College and the Cathedral of St. Paul, also known as Mater Dei. Built by Jesuits in the early 16th century, the church was the largest Catholic church in Asia at the time. Today all that remains is the southern stone façade of the church, graced with intricate 17th century carvings by Japanese Christians living in exile in Macau. Visit the museum on the grounds to learn more about the history of the area, then take the steel stairway to the top of the façade. Bring some coins with you – it’s considered good luck to throw a coin through the top window of the ruins.
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