St. Paul’s Church, The Ruins of St Paul’s

When you come to Macau, St. Paul’s Church (The Ruins of St Paul’s) is a must-see and one of the tourist image symbols of Macau. It’s the most landmark building in Macau with a long history, culture, and stories. It is located at the foot of Fortress Hill, with the Macau Museum and Fortress on the left.

The Walk Up to the Ruins

I remember walking along the narrow, lively Rua de São Paulo also known as Dasanba Street. The street itself was buzzing with energy tourists snapping photos, vendors selling almond cookies and the delicious smell of freshly baked Portuguese egg tarts in the air. The vibe was so alive and yet, just a few steps ahead. I knew I was about to walk into a piece of history.

And then I saw it, the famous façade of the Ruins of St. Paul’s standing tall at the top of the stone staircase. Even from a distance, it felt majestic.

My First Glimpse

As I climbed the 68 granite steps, I took a moment to pause and soak it all in. The closer I got, the more details came to life, the carvings on the stone, the statues, the weathered texture of the wall that had withstood centuries.

It’s hard to describe the feeling, it was a mix of awe, calm and curiosity. Despite only the front wall remaining, the structure still carries so much weight, beauty and grace. You can’t help but wonder how magnificent it must have been in its prime.

I was especially drawn to the statues, the Holy Infant under the dove, the Virgin Mary surrounded by angels and the towering cross at the very top. They form a triangular pattern that’s not just symbolic, but visually stunning.

A Bit of History I Learned Along the Way

Built in the early 1600s by Portuguese Jesuits, St. Paul’s Church was once the largest Catholic church in Asia. Locals call it “Sanba Church” due to the Cantonese pronunciation of “St. Paul.”

Sadly, after three separate fires, the final one in 1835 destroyed most of the structure, leaving only the front façade we see today. But what a façade it is! Standing 25.5 meters tall and 23 meters wide, it features a fascinating blend of European Renaissance and Asian architecture, truly a symbol of East meets West.

If You’re Planning to Visit

Must-See Tips

• The Ruins of St. Paul’s are open all day, but the Catholic Art Museum and Cemetery in St. Paul’s Square are open Wednesday-Monday 9.00-18.00 (no admission at 17:30), Tuesday 9.00- 14.00
• Get off the bus and walk to the alley of Dasanba. There are many characteristic shops, which are worth visiting.
• If you want to take portrait photos, it is recommended to stand on the steps in front of the big three-bath, and the effect will be better.