One of Macau’s most iconic landmarks, the Ruins of St. Paul’s, stands as a symbol of the city’s rich blend of Portuguese and Chinese heritage. Located at the top of a small hill near Senado Square, the stone façade of the former 17th-century church is one of the most visited and photographed sites in Macau, often regarded as the face of the city.

The Ruins of St. Paul’s are the remains of the Church of Mater Dei and St. Paul’s College, which were constructed by Jesuit priests between 1602 and 1640. At the time, the church was one of the largest Catholic churches in Asia, serving as a center for Christian teaching and missionary work. Unfortunately, a massive fire in 1835 destroyed most of the complex, leaving only its grand stone façade and a staircase of 68 steps leading up to it.

Despite the destruction, the façade has remained a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Its intricate carvings combine European Renaissance elements with Asian influences, featuring statues of saints, biblical scenes, Chinese dragons, and Japanese chrysanthemums. This fusion of styles represents Macau’s role as a cultural crossroads, where East and West met during the height of Portuguese maritime exploration.

Recognizing its historical and architectural importance, the Ruins of St. Paul’s were officially listed as part of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 2005. Five years later, in 2010, the Portuguese government named it one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World, further highlighting its global significance.