Feel the remnants of the past as you stand face to face with one of Macau’s significant landmarks.
Macau is a small country. Most of the tourist attractions are adjacent to one another so walking is the best way to hop on one place to another. Though of course, buses are just around the corner, thus, commuting is a breeze.
Narrow alleys were filled with dainty shops and cute cafes. Most of them were still closed when we passed by.
An inviting bakery that resides on the corner of the street caught our attention. The store’s name, Cafe Free, is already intriguing so we took a peek on what’s inside.
Our curiosity didn’t fail us. The cafe is made up of every delightful pastry there is in the world. Some of them is too cute to eat, it is beyond doubt that this piece of heaven was made by skilled bakers. Did I mention that they are also giving away free coffee, thus, the name of the store. Such a clever game plan.
In our continuous search for the famed Ruins, we were able to pass by a massive church, baptized as Macau Cathedral.
It is a high-ceiling building with stained glass windows that yields a refreshing appeal as the walls are painted in white and light teal. There’s no ongoing mass so we just say our prayers, took a few photos and off we went to our main mission.
Outside the Cathedral was a modest park with few benches and a parched fountain in the middle. Few locals can be seen in the area, some are buying time, while for others, it’s a good place to relax in a cold March morning.
After following the helpful signs, finally, we saw it. Parked at the top of the stone staircase, lay a beautiful church that has stood beyond the test of time. I am certain that if this piece of stone could talk, it would tell all the things that happened on that fateful day when it was destroyed by fire. But, ironically, all was left was a magnificent chunk of crafted boulder that was officially listed as part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Grandiose Chinese New Year ornaments are still present in the area and offers a good venue for photo-ops.
Though the facade was really spectacular, I can’t help to be inquisitive on what’s on the other side of the Ruins. So, to finally quench my interest, I went straight on the middle passage and see for the first time what really lies beyond this massive church.
Nothing. Just several metal blue bars that serves as a backbone of the monument. After making a few steps, we found a series of pictures that clearly depicts the history of The Ruins of St. Paul’s.
Situated below the stairs is the Macau Tourism and Cultural Activities Center, that grants a range of cultural and destination information services to visitors.
Before going home, grab some pastries in Pastelaria Koi Kei. Their egg tarts and meat jerky just simply can’t be missed.
When we visited Macau last year, there are few people strolling around the Ruins so it’s more conducive climbing those stairs and getting some souvenir photo with this important monument. This country has a rich historic past that is patent with its preserved architecture. Just make sure that when you click that shutter button of your camera you also capture the story behind it.
Getting here:
From Senado Square, there are signs (in green posts) leading to the Ruins. These signs are in Chinese, Portuguese and English and are especially designed for every type of tourists.
Note: This trip was held last March 2013.
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