RUINS OF ST. PAUL
Macau tour will not be complete without visiting the Ruins of St. Paul.
Ruins of St. Paul itself is a land mark of the city of Macau. The church was built in 1602 next to the Jesuit College of St. Paul's. However, in 1835, a fire broke out and devoured the university and the church building, the result leaving only the front side of the church.
BRIEF INFORMATION ABOUT RUINS OF ST. PAUL
(Source: http://www.chinatouronline.com )
The Ruins of St. Paul’s (also known as Sam Ba Sing Tzik)is the most famous sight in Macau The front façade and the grand stone stairs are the only remains of the greatest church in Macau. It is said the original church was probably designed by an Italian Jesuit in the early 17th century. It reflects great Catholic history of this former Portuguese colony.
First constructed in 1580, St. Paul’s Church caught fires in 1595 and 1601 respectively.Reconstruction started in 1602 after the church was burnt down and completed in 1637, Unfortunately, a violent typhoon hit Macau in 1835 and the church caught fire for the third time.
Now, front façade and the grand stone stairs appear in front of people.From the bottom this structure has five tiers. The first tier is consist of ten Ionic columns with three entrances. The second tier has ten Corinthian columns with three windows. A Catholic saint is engraved in each of four tabernacles between columns. As for the two tiers as a whole, it is said it represents the Society of Jesus and the activities of missionaries.
The remaining three tiers are the most ornamented. The statue of Madonna stands in the middle part of the third tier, while the statue of Jesus stands on the fourth. The walls are covered with bas-reliefs in various patterns The triangular combination of the upper three tiers reflects the Holy Trinity as well as the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is worth mentioning that the stone lions at the sides of the third and fourth tiers are extremely Chinese. There are also bas-reliefs of chrysanthemum and cherry, as well as Chinese inscriptions. The whole facade has been acknowledged as a perfect fusion of western and eastern cultures.
BRIEF INFORMATION ABOUT RUINS OF ST. PAUL
(Source: http://www.chinatouronline.com )
The Ruins of St. Paul’s (also known as Sam Ba Sing Tzik)is the most famous sight in Macau The front façade and the grand stone stairs are the only remains of the greatest church in Macau. It is said the original church was probably designed by an Italian Jesuit in the early 17th century. It reflects great Catholic history of this former Portuguese colony.
First constructed in 1580, St. Paul’s Church caught fires in 1595 and 1601 respectively.Reconstruction started in 1602 after the church was burnt down and completed in 1637, Unfortunately, a violent typhoon hit Macau in 1835 and the church caught fire for the third time.
Now, front façade and the grand stone stairs appear in front of people.From the bottom this structure has five tiers. The first tier is consist of ten Ionic columns with three entrances. The second tier has ten Corinthian columns with three windows. A Catholic saint is engraved in each of four tabernacles between columns. As for the two tiers as a whole, it is said it represents the Society of Jesus and the activities of missionaries.
The remaining three tiers are the most ornamented. The statue of Madonna stands in the middle part of the third tier, while the statue of Jesus stands on the fourth. The walls are covered with bas-reliefs in various patterns The triangular combination of the upper three tiers reflects the Holy Trinity as well as the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is worth mentioning that the stone lions at the sides of the third and fourth tiers are extremely Chinese. There are also bas-reliefs of chrysanthemum and cherry, as well as Chinese inscriptions. The whole facade has been acknowledged as a perfect fusion of western and eastern cultures.
Public vehicles are not allowed on the roads going to the ruins. On our case, our hotel shuttle dropped us near Hotel Lisboa. From there we walked going to Senado Square then going up to the Ruins of St. Paul. It will just take less than 30 minutes walking.
You will definitely enjoy the walk as shops and stores for food, clothing and souvenir items are along the streets. Free tastes of Macau food delicacies is everywhere. So you can try and enjoy those without spending money.
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| Me, Jen and JR |
Hours: All day
Address: Rua de Sao Paulo, Macau
Transportation: Take bus No. 8.No16 and No17
Admission: Absolutely Free
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