WHERE TO GO - Hong Kong - page 90

tuguese wines. Try vinho verde , a mildly sparkling young wine from northern Por-
tugal, or a hearty red Dão or Colares. After dinner, a glass of Madeira or port is
recommended.
Sights in Macau
If you arrive from Hong Kong, The Sands casino in the outer harbour is one of the first
sights you'll see in the 'new Macau'. Just in front of it is the Fisherman's Wharf theme
park ( www.fishermanswharf.com.mo ; 24 hours; free; rides: 10am-9pm; charge) where rep-
licas of European buildings, a Tang dynasty palace and an 'active' volcano house funfair
rides, amusements, shops and restaurants. The grandstand, opposite the ferry terminal on
Avenida da Amizade , marks the finishing line for the Macau Grand Prix, an international
racing event held here every November.
Historic route
To explore the 25 buildings that make up the Unesco Historic
Centre of Macau, follow the route from Largo Senado to the
A-Ma Temple or vice versa. Maps are available at the Macau
Tourism offices at the ferry terminals Either way is rewarding,
and as well as historic buildings and churches the restaurants
both in Barr, near the temple, and around Largo Senado, are
excellent.
The 'Historic Centre of Macau' was added to the Unesco World Heritage list in 2005, ac-
knowledging its importance as the place where Eastern and Western culture first met, as
well as its unique architectural heritage. Start your exploration at Largo do Senado (Senate
Square). For an authentic feel of old Portugal, slip into the cool entrance hall of the impress-
ive Leal Senado (Loyal Senate) building, a fine example of colonial architecture. Built in
1784, the inside walls are covered in flowered blue tiles (azulejos) and coats of arms. An in-
scription over the archway reads, ' Cidade do nome de Deus, não ha outra mais leal ' (City
of the name of God, none is more loyal) - praise for Macau's loyalty during the Spanish oc-
cupation of Portugal in the 17th century, when the enclave refused to fly the aggressor's
flag.