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1996
Around the world via China MACAO
Bec2004-09-19 15:38:18
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area after four more pictures of Portuguese traces.
Rua Almirante Sergio
Most remnants of Portuguese colonial architecture, like this stately home with its high ceilinged large rooms and elegant balcony, are hemmed-in by drab modern buildings.
Saő Paulo
On a hill in the center of Macao still stand two vestiges of Portuguese domination, a fort and this ruin of a majestic cathedral dedicated to Saint Paul in 1602. Both were built by the Jesuits who controlled Portugal's colonial expansion at that time.
Fortaleza do Monte
This is the "Fort of the Mountain" built on the highest hill to impress the Chinese and to protect Portugal's holdings from competing Dutch imperialists.
A-Ma Temple
The Portuguese were masters here as the British were in Hong Kong but the population always was and still is essentially Chinese. The original temple built on this site to honor the goddess of seafarers A-Ma dates from the Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644). Boat people still come here to ask for protection from storms at sea.
Rua Mercadores
This is the main street of the old Chinese Macao hidden behind the Portuguese facade of the Largo do Senado. It is quiet very early in the morning but fills up quickly as shoppers flock to the neighbouring alleys.
I just could not resist taking a shot of these appetizing glazed ducks hanging in the storefront of a shop getting ready for the day's business.
Ave. Almeido Ribero
Today, business dominates Macao as it does Hong Kong. The charming Portuguese architecture, the quaint "old China" alleys and even the exciting casinos are being replaced by office buildings... Romantic Macao is a thing of the past but its economic future is bright. The process of change is accelerating and it will rejoin booming China in two years.
Copyright Bernard Cloutier
All rights reserved.
Please visit my website
See photographs from:
Macau Gallery
,
China Gallery
