Macau: Day 2 (Part 2)

May 21, 2012

Adjacent to the Macau Museum is probably the most recognizable and visited UNESCO World Heritage site in Macau, the Ruins of St. Paul’s.  This 16th Century cathedral was once one of the largest Catholic churches in all of Asia, however now it is just a crumbling stone facade that contains carvings of Jesuit images amidst a Chinese theme.

Macau

Macau

Its history is incredibly fascinating and despite the fact that its leaning structure is considered dangerous, the Macanese refuse to let it be demolished because of what is represents for the region: a true union of Eastern and Western cultures.

Macau

Nearby Na Cha Temple is both a Buddhist and Taoist temple.  The Ruins of St. Paul’s can be seen from inside the temple, further exemplifying Macau’s multicultural identity.

Macau

Macau

Macau

Macau

Once I had thoroughly explored the grounds of both holy places with Macau Tourism, I then further wandered the streets of Macau’s historical center with no map in hand.

Macau

Macau

Macau

Macau

Macau’s casinos generate three times as much revenue as Las Vegas’ and because of this the region has developed an unfair reputation as simply the gaming capitol of the world.  While that moniker is true, there is so much more to Macau then seeing what lady luck has in store for you, you just have to step outside the casino’s doors to find out what . . .

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Andi Perullo de Ledesma

I am Andi Perullo de Ledesma, a Chinese Medicine Doctor and Travel Photojournalist in Charlotte, NC. I am also wife to Lucas and mother to Joaquín. Follow us as we explore life and the world one beautiful adventure at a time.

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154 thoughts on “Macau: Day 2 (Part 2)”

      1. Cintya

        Hahaha…
        Hi Andi…that was my dream which never come true..
        go traveling to other country…getting lost and meet a handsome stranger to guide me…
        Cuz..now i have bf who always protect me from other handsome man…hihihi
        .

        Reply ↓
  9. Laura

    Very very nice…I do love that first image. It does look like it has an asian style for a catholic church…so so so different from the ancient churches in France.

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Awww thank you sweetheart, you are so kind! Macau probably isn’t for everyone, but because I’m so obsessed with Chinese history, it fascinates the heck out of me!!!

      Reply ↓
  34. Brett

    Been twice now to Macau and really love the whole Portuguese section, Senado Square, St. Pauls, etc. It’s a bit hilly, but a great place to wander through the streets. Seems like you always run into another piece of history. And love the peanut candies 😀 Great photos, thanks for sharing!

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Thanks for the sweet words re: my photos! It is a bit hilly, but a good workout! I love that you keep wandering into historical sites as well — it’s like a treasure hunt!!!

      Reply ↓
  45. ava apollo

    The church facade is crazy! I NEVER thought I’d see something like that in that region of the world. I suppose it makes sense, though, given it was a colony.

    Reply ↓
  46. Erica

    These pictures are beautiful Andi. I think these may be some of my favorite. Hopefully one day we can make it over there. Maybe we can save more money after Europe and make our Asia push.

    Reply ↓
  50. Vicky

    Beautiful photos! Truly gorgeous! My boyfriend and I are heading out in September on a 2 year backpacking trip through Europe and Asia and Macau is definitely on the list!

    Reply ↓
  51. Amy Shaughnessy

    What cool pictures! It is always so interesting to see travel pictures. Speaking of Vegas, a lot of people go there just to gamble. Next time I go, I am going to see the Grand Canyon. I’ve seen enough slot machines to last me a lifetime!

    Amy

    fashionandbeautyfinds.blogspot.com

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Yes, there is SO much more to Vegas than the casinos, like the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Such beautiful parts of the world!!! Glad you enjoyed my pics. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  53. Adeola

    wow, I didn’t know Macau is this beautiful. I was told there isn’t much to see but casinos, casinos and more casinos. So i just stayed in Hong Kong for the the entire 7days i went there for. The church in it’s ruins looks absolutely beautiful. Don’t you just love the incense coils? Macau looks so much like Shanghai!
    curiouskinks.blogspot.com

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      That’s such a shame that Macau’s reputation is just of casinos. That’s what I hear about it ALL of the time, but it’s sooooo much more!!! So, next time you’re in HK you know to hop over for a couple of days. 🙂 Aren’t the runs beautiful? I LOVE the incense coils, I took a million pics of them, but some of the incense fell on me in one of the temples and gave me a 3rd degree burn on my finger! Can you believe it?

      Reply ↓
  55. marie

    You lead an adventurous life young lady, very inspiring. So wonderful that you’ve made travel a priority, beautiful shots.

    Reply ↓
    1. Andi Perullo Post author

      Thank you sincerely for your kind words! I know, it really does look like it will fall over if the wind blows too hard haha. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that never happens! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  71. Roxanne

    My favorite part of this is how you zoomed into the details. I love noticing what is sharp and what is blurry, what stands out and what is unexpected. Macau is now going on my wanderlust wish list…

    Reply ↓

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