Penha Hill

Known as the Bishop's Hill in the annals of colonial history, this leader amongst the popular destinations in Macau is identical with the city's colonial clout and authority. Forts, buildings, residences and places of visit atop the Penha hill in Macau are a testimony to the affluent and sumptuous life style of the wealthy in Macau.

There is a Church named The Penha Church on crest of the hill dates back to 1622. It was built by a group of Augustinian followers and dedicated to Our Lady of Penha. Existence of this monument in fact named Penha Hill as Bishop´s Hill. Because its altitude, Penha Hill has dominated the Macao skyline for more than three centuries. It is the most featured scenery in the paintings of Macao by the renowned British artist George Chinnery.

On one side of the large open courtyard fronting the church is a marble image of the Blessed Virgin Mary facing the border of China, as if praying for that magnificent land. Her prayers are definitely bearing fruit because now thousands of Chinese tourist dutifully climb up her little hill.

On a clear day the panoramic view from here includes not only Macau but across the Pearl River into China. One can see the whole harbor and a great collection of old and modern architecture: the Chief Executive's Palace, other colonial residences, the Macau Tower, and the man-made lakes.

There are some market hotels and restaurants around Penha Hill. You can sit in the open air cafes there and enjoy the grand view of harbor and hills in Macao and pamper yourself with best of Macanese cuisines, and also you can plan your Macao tour and take pleasure in the scenic spots in the isles of Macao. Just enjoy yourself.

Each year on the eve of Easter festival the statue of Mary is taken from St Dominic Chapel to Penha Hill. The Macau harbor is on the western side. Penha Hill in Macau is often viewed as a span that spreads from the towering Gua hill and connects the near by Barra Hill on the southwest. Over looking the Praia Grande hillock, the famed hill offers the most pleasant view of Macau peninsula.