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The history of cultural integration in Macau is physically evident today through the
numerous tourist attractions in the tiny city. The sights of Macau are characterized by both Catholic and Chinese Temples, Museums,
Southern European styled buildings and gardens of all types. The island is basically
divided up into 3 regions, the largest being the peninsular attached to the mainland by a
small strip of land, the other two being the islands of Taipa, linked to the peninsular by
bridge, and Coloane, linked to Taipa by bridge. As befits its size, the main sights of
Macau are mostly situated on the peninsular, although the islands make a relaxing day
trip. Beliefs and arts and customs of traditional China thrive in Macau and this meeting
place of Eastern and Western culture can be witnessed in the A-ma Temple and the Kun-iam Temple, temples of traditional
belief. On the other hand ,the Portuguese established Macau in 1577 expecting it
to be a base of Christianity as well as a trading post, calling it "City in the Name
of God, Macau". Churches were among the very first buildings erected in the city.
Today, these churches still remain,among them St" Augustin"s Church and St" Domingo"s Church are the most
important active churches. The Ruins of St"
Paul"s Cathedral has also become the symbol of Macau. Beyond this Macau has a wide range of sights to view. Beyond simply strolling about,
probably the best way to do Macau, there are a variety of old Portuguese buildings and
museums that are worth visiting, among them the Leal Seado, Monte Font, the Macau Wine Museum and the Maritime Museum are musts for travelers. In the West a garden is an attempt by man to tame nature; in the East it is an
idealized wilderness. In Macau the two worlds meet in gardens which satisfy the senses and
refresh the spirit, providing all members of the community with relaxation, recreation and
relief from the tiny crowded city. The Lou
Lim Loc Garden and the Camoes Grotto
and Gardens are the best of the Macau Gardens. The islands themselves are a great way to relax, you cannot go far wrong eating
cheesecake on the black sands beach of Coloane. |
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