Macau - 2004 Sights - One of Sam's Exotic Travels
Macau's pleasures are relaxed and laidback, architectural and atmospheric: narrow cobbled alleys, grand baroque churches, balconied colonial mansions, open plazas and Mediterranean-style cafes filled with palm-readers, caged birds and pipe-smokers. Oh yes, gambling, and with its casinos it is a favorite destination for Chinese and Hong Kong tourists to try their luck at the tables.
My first visit to Macau was in June 2004. While the weather was overcast, I think my pictures show why Macau is a great place for a weekend visit -- even if you aren't a gambler.
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Please note that all photographs and text appearing on this site are the exclusive intellectual property of Sam Stearman. No images are within the Public Domain, and no image use is permitted without the written prior authorization of the copyright owner. If you see any pictures you would like to buy, all the thousands of pictures on this site are available in high resolution digital format, suitable for framing, use in magazines or advertising. Email me if you would like to know more.
The Kun Iam Statue. Located on the Outer Harbour, this statue, dedicated to the Goddess of Kun Iam (Goddess of Mercy) is 20 metres tall and made of bronze. The dome shaped base contains an information center on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. 
The Macau Tower. At 399 metres, it is claimed that it is the 20th tallest free standing structure in the world and 8th tallest in Asia. The tower is a part of a convention, entertainment and tourist center. 
A-Ma Temple, located near the harbour opposite the Maritime Museum. The temple is named after the beautiful young Sea Goddess who, according to legend, saved a ship in a storm. When the Portuguese landed opposite they named the enclave A-Ma-Gao in her honour. One of the best example of local Chinese temples, A-Ma consists of ornate prayer rooms, alters and rock gardens. Parts of the structure are up to 600 years old. 
View through window of one of the prayer room of A-Ma Temple. The hanging items which look like wire baskets are actually coils of incense. 
The Ruins of St Paul Cathedral. The ruins, overlooking the city centre, is to Macau what the Opera House is to Sydney and Big Ben is to London. The intricate stone facade. located at the top of a grand flight of steps, is all that is left of the once spectacular cathedral dating back to the 17th Century 
The facade of St. Paul Cathedral. Located just beneath the former fort and museum, the site is a focal point for many events and entertainment. 
Walkways outside the Macau Museum. Macau's Monte Fort was built in the 17th century and commands a fine view of the city. Several cannons still remain. Part of the fort now houses the Macau Museum, which displays an interesting assortment of Chinese and Portuguese artifacts from the territory's pre-colonial and colonial history. 
