Having ascended to the World Heritage pedestal, Macau's historic landmarks are being wheeled out as top tourist attractions. The 'Historic Centre of Macau' has a high concentration of the relics not too difficult to reach on foot, especially in the balmy days of autumn.
Ruins of St Paul's
This was the site of the first Jesuit centre in Macau, built in 1565. It was destroyed by several fires, the most severe one in 1835, which left only the present granite facade. The four-tiered facade is 28 metres wide and 38.5 metres high. The carvings include Chinese characters and details as well as bronze statues of saints and beatified men.
Holy House of Mercy
Founded in 1569 by the first bishop of Macau as a charity house, it became a home for orphans and prostitutes in the 1700s. The building is neoclassical in style, built with brick and granite with an arched passage opening into Leal Senado Square.
Leal Senado Building
