Barrier Gate (Portas
do Cerco)
Situated at the northern most point of Macau, the stone gate
that traditionally marked the border with China is now maintained
in a small park. It was erected in 1870 and is inscribed with
a quotation from Camoes: 'Honour your country for your country
is watching you", Today's travellers use the modern buildings
on either side, which house immigration, customs and tourist
information offices. The border is open from 7am to midnight.
Guia Fortress, Chapel & Lighthouse
A small chapel was first built in the 17th century as part
of the Guia Fortress and the present chapel dates from 1637.
During the restoration of the chapel in 1996, the oldest vestige
of mural paintings that dates back to the construction of
the hermitage in 1622 were discovered. The recovered paintings
are characterized by rich cultural meaning, a combination
of Chinese and Western symbols, including angels wearing traditional
oriental costumes.
The Lighthouse was the first on the China Coast, built by
a local born Portuguese, Carlos Vicente da Rocha.
Below Guia Hill is the Flora Garden, which can be reached
by steps or a cable car that takes visitors to street level
in just 80 seconds. |
