Brief History
In 1557 the Portuguese Empire took over Macau, making it the first European colony in East Asia. Called A Ma Gao by the Chinese (in honor of the patron goddess of sailors A-Ma), its name was adapted to Macau by the Portuguese. For centuries the port thrived on trade between Asia and the rest of the world. Ships from Portugal, Spain, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and other maritime powers came here to buy and sell tea, Chinese silks and crafts, Indian spices, African ivory, and Brazilian gold.
In 1999, after 442 years under Portuguese rule, Macau's sovereignty was transferred back to China, thus becoming a Special Administrative Region. Today, although most people speak Cantonese as their mother tongue, the imprint of the Portuguese heritage is still very noticeable. From street signs, to historic architecture and including gastronomy, you often have the feeling of walking down any street in Lisbon.
A quick glance!
Largo do Senado (Senate Square)
Street signs in Cantonese and Portuguese
Portuguese colonial architecture