Historic Centre, Macau - International Port and Monuments

Scenic, Monuments

In the mid 16^thcentury, the Portuguese started to inhabit and do business in the southwest area of the Macau peninsula. Macau consequently developed into a major harbor in China open to the outer world before the 19th century. It was also an important international port in Asia. With its prosperity in international trading, Macau fascinated more people to inhabit there from countries around the world. These people brought their diverse cultures, their social customs, and their religions to this area and dwelled houses, cathedrals, streets, fortification and even a burial ground. This area is the heart part of what is now called the “Historic Centre of Macau”.