Cultural
Centre historique de Macao
Photo : deror_avi (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Located in southern China on the Pearl River Delta, this historic centre represents a unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultural influences spanning over four centuries. The site encompasses the old walled city and surrounding areas that developed as a major trading port and the first European settlement in East Asia. Its architecture, urban layout, and cultural landscape reflect the synthesis of Eastern and Western traditions, with Portuguese colonial buildings standing alongside Chinese temples, traditional shophouses, and fortresses. The ensemble includes significant structures such as churches, residential quarters, commercial establishments, and defensive works that document the evolution of cross-cultural exchange in this strategic maritime location. The historic centre preserves material evidence of the interactions between European and Asian civilizations during a crucial period of global trade expansion. This cultural landscape serves as an exceptional testimony to the meeting of different societies and their lasting impact on the region's development.
