(853) 2837 8111
reservation@saotiago.com.mo
Avenida da República, Fortaleza de São Tiago da Barra, Macau

Discovery

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Chapel of St. James

A chapel built within the fort is dedicated to São Tiago – Saint James – the patron saint of the Portuguese army. Today, much of the fortress and the chapel have been preserved as part of the Pousada de São Tiago. Wedding or blessing ceremonies can be arranged.

A famous landmark in Macau, the Chapel of St. James was built in the Barra Fort in 1740, and was dedicated to St. James, a saint worshipped by the Portuguese army at that time. According to urban legend, the statue of St. James was believed to have patrolled the grounds where the soldiers slept at night. In the morning, the soldiers would discover mud on the statue’s boots, and so one soldier was assigned to polish them every day. On one particular occasion, it was said that a lazy soldier got hit on the head by the saint.

The Chapel underwent renovation in 1978 and has since become an important landmark, adjoining Pousada de São Tiago’s reception area and cocktail lounge.

A chapel built within the fort is dedicated to São Tiago – Saint James – the patron saint of the Portuguese army. Today, much of the fortress and the chapel have been preserved as part of the Pousada de São Tiago. Wedding or blessing ceremonies can be arranged.A famous landmark in Macau, the Chapel of St. James was built in the Barra Fort in 1740, and was dedicated to St. James, a saint worshipped by the Portuguese army at that time. According to urban legend, the statue of St. James was believed to have patrolled the grounds where the soldiers slept at night. In the morning, the soldiers would discover mud on the statue’s boots, and so one soldier was assigned to polish them every day. On one particular occasion, it was said that a lazy soldier got hit on the head by the saint.The Chapel underwent renovation in 1978 and has since become an important landmark, adjoining Pousada de São Tiago’s reception area and cocktail lounge.

São Tiago da Barra Fortress

Built in 1629, São Tiago da Barra Fortress was equipped with 16 cannons aimed at the sea, forming a strong outer defense line with other forts to protect against maritime invasions. São Tiago da Barra Fortress was the only fort in Macau commanded by the King of Portugal. The fortress walls are 110 meters long, 40 meters wide, forming a rectangular platform about 3 meters above sea level, with a polygonal bastion for defense. It effectively controlled all maritime activities, serving as a significant shield for the Inner Harbor. The fort was converted into a hotel in 1981 and received an award from the Pacific Asia Travel Association for its adaptive reuse.

Built in 1629, São Tiago da Barra Fortress was equipped with 16 cannons aimed at the sea, forming a strong outer defense line with other forts to protect against maritime invasions. São Tiago da Barra Fortress was the only fort in Macau commanded by the King of Portugal. The fortress walls are 110 meters long, 40 meters wide, forming a rectangular platform about 3 meters above sea level, with a polygonal bastion for defense. It effectively controlled all maritime activities, serving as a significant shield for the Inner Harbor. The fort was converted into a hotel in 1981 and received an award from the Pacific Asia Travel Association for its adaptive reuse.

Entrance Tunnels and Portuguese Tiles

The hotel preserves the original stone steps and archway tunnels connecting the lower and middle levels of the fortress as the hotel entrance. Guests can walk through corridors and stone staircases filled with Portuguese ambiance, feeling the historical and cultural weight. The entrance archway features 17th-century style Portuguese tile paintings, adding a distinctive charm.

The hotel preserves the original stone steps and archway tunnels connecting the lower and middle levels of the fortress as the hotel entrance. Guests can walk through corridors and stone staircases filled with Portuguese ambiance, feeling the historical and cultural weight. The entrance archway features 17th-century style Portuguese tile paintings, adding a distinctive charm.

Spring

Follow the stone steps of the tunnel, a wall with a spring marked with the year 1629, featuring a medieval woman returning with spoils on a donkey, symbolizing “victory and blessing”. Historically, soldiers returning from battle would drink the spring water or wash their hands at the spring to celebrate their triumph. The hotel has kept this symbolic spring as the welcoming entrance.

Follow the stone steps of the tunnel, a wall with a spring marked with the year 1629, featuring a medieval woman returning with spoils on a donkey, symbolizing “victory and blessing”. Historically, soldiers returning from battle would drink the spring water or wash their hands at the spring to celebrate their triumph. The hotel has kept this symbolic spring as the welcoming entrance.

Garden Wish Fountain

Located on the first floor, the garden’s wish fountain is made of red bricks, standing over half a meter above the ground, with a nostalgic arch-shaped iron frame on either side. It was originally a water reservoir built to provide soldiers with drinking water during prolonged battles. Soldiers would silently make wishes by the well before going to war, hoping for peace, gradually turning it into the Wish Fountain it is today.

Located on the first floor, the garden’s wish fountain is made of red bricks, standing over half a meter above the ground, with a nostalgic arch-shaped iron frame on either side. It was originally a water reservoir built to provide soldiers with drinking water during prolonged battles. Soldiers would silently make wishes by the well before going to war, hoping for peace, gradually turning it into the Wish Fountain it is today.