My little adventure in the inner streets of Macau ended at the steps of Ruins of St Paul's. I settled there for awhile and intently people watch while sitting at the ledge of the steps. It was a delight and entertaining watching tourist antics on the steps. Right after I settled in, I do the same thing: taking and having photograph in front and on the steps of the famous landmark.
Built from 1582 to 1602 by the Jesuit Order, the Church of the Mother of God was the largest Catholic church in asia at the time. The church is part of the St Paul College campus that was destroyed by fire in 1835. A total of 66 stone steps that lead to the façade of the church. The main altar location of the church were turned into a museum, The Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt.
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| the church column base |
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| the main church floor area facing the altar |
The Crypt was built in the chancel of the church. On its side wall it displayed the contains the relics of ancient Japanese and Vietnamese martyrs inside glass cases. The lists of the name of the martyrs were inscribed outside the Crypt. The original stones of the church building were on display too, including the tomb of Alessandro Valignano, the Jesuit who founded the College of the Mother of God.As a sacred place, a cross and a tabernacle have been placed on the stones.
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| stair leading to the church chancel |
The Museum of Sacred Art is adjacent to the Crypt. On display were the saints images; crucifixes made of ivory, wood, and silver; and the chalices, incense boats, patens, and reliquaries dating back from the 16th century.
Looking back before heading to the Mount Fortress
