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A Clash of Cultures - Macau's Unique Heritage

By: Gregory Smyth

Macau is a region of startling contrasts, from the blend of Portuguese and Chinese architecture and heritage, to the amazing combinations of flavors in the food, and the fact that some of the world's most important historical attractions sit alongside, or even house, some of the world's biggest casinos.

Macau's history is rich and varied, and you can take it in visually, aurally and physically with a walking tour around some of the city's most important historical attractions. Here we look at some of the old favorites, as well as some of the pieces of Macau's history and world heritage sites that are off the beaten track.

A great place to start your explorations of the older parts of the Macau is, ironically, in one of the newest. The Ponte 16 complex has recently been completed - the 2.3 hectare area houses retail shops, restaurants filled with local cuisine like hand-pulled noodles and dumplings, the fresh and new Sofitel Macau luxury hotel, and thrilling outdoor performances.

Take a break from your historical explorations, as well as charging your batteries before beginning, with a room at the Sofitel Macau and entertainment at the Ponte 16 complex.

The complex is within easy walking distance of some of the must-see historical attractions in Macau, like the ruins of St Paul Cathedral, and A-Ma Temple.

A-Ma Temple is named after the city of Macau itself. It is believed that the construction of the temple began in the 15th century, when your great-great-great-great grandmother was not even thought of!

A-Ma was a deity helping and protecting the fishermen of the region, and Macau's bay was known as the Bay of A-Ma, or A-Ma Gua in Chinese. The phonetics of the word have changed over time, but much of the goddesses temple is in very original condition. A-Ma temple consists of the Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, thePrayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence, the Hall of Guanyin and Zhengjiao Changlin, which is a Buddhist pavilion.

Given the Spanish fascination with Christianity, it makes sense that Portugal, close relatives of Spain, would bring this interest to Macau. A great number of the city's 25 UNESCO listed world heritage sites that can be reached by walking tour are religious monuments, including St Joseph's Seminary and Church, established in 1728 by the Jesuits.

It trained many priests that worked as missionaries throughout Asia, and also educated many young Macanese through the centuries. This Portuguese colonial site is an integral part of Macau's history, along with its neighbouring churches St Augustine's and Saint Lawrence's.

Some of Macau's history with more of a Chinese twist can be seen in historical attractions like Sir Robert Ho Tung library and Mandarin house. Mandarin house was previously owned by eminent modern Chinese thinker Zheng Guanying, and Zheng Wenrui, his father.

It is at 10, Antonia de Silva Lane, and was built around 1881. It is a traditional Chinese style compound, to contrast the traditional Portuguese style buildings of the peninsula.

About the author

The Sofitel Macau Hotel -www.sofitel.com"> Visit Macau and stay in European luxury at the magnificent Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 .Located in the historic city centre and has an all day dining restaurant,bars, modern fitness and conference centres,a pool,spa,shopping arcade and in-house casino.

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