Christian Cemetery
A serene historical cemetery in Macau, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into the lives of foreign residents from centuries past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Christian Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene historical cemetery in Macau, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into the lives of foreign residents from centuries past.
"An oasis of calm and a fascinating glimpse into the past, like a museum of lives lived abroad."
🚶♀️ Oasis of Calm
Enjoy the tranquility and historical insights. A perfect spot for quiet reflection away from the city buzz.
📜 Read the Tombstones
Each grave tells a story of life, death abroad, and often young lives lost.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 30 reviews
Type
Cemetery
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Robert Morrison's Grave
Old Protestant Cemetery, Macau
The final resting place of the first Protestant missionary to China. A significant historical marker.
George Chinnery's Tomb
Old Protestant Cemetery, Macau
Visit the tomb of the renowned British artist known for his portraits of India and China.
Seamen and East India Company Graves
Old Protestant Cemetery, Macau
Discover the stories of those who lived and died at sea or worked for the East India Company.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quietude
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Oasis of Calm
Enjoy the tranquility and historical insights. A perfect spot for quiet reflection away from the city buzz.
📜 Read the Tombstones
Each grave tells a story of life, death abroad, and often young lives lost.
📍 Near World Heritage Sites
Conveniently located near other attractions like St. Anthony's Church and Casa Garden.
🏛️ A Living Museum
Explore the history etched in stone, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Oasis of Calm
Enjoy the tranquility and historical insights. A perfect spot for quiet reflection away from the city buzz.
📜 Read the Tombstones
Each grave tells a story of life, death abroad, and often young lives lost.
📍 Near World Heritage Sites
Conveniently located near other attractions like St. Anthony's Church and Casa Garden.
🏛️ A Living Museum
Explore the history etched in stone, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
🙏 Respectful Visit
Tread lightly and maintain a respectful demeanor in this sacred space.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Old Protestant Cemetery as a peaceful oasis and a fascinating historical site, offering a unique glimpse into Macau's past. Many appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the stories told by the tombstones, especially those of notable figures and seafaring individuals. While not as central as other attractions, it's considered a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet, contemplative experience.
"An oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of modern tourism. Nobody there when I went, apart from the gardener, who does an excellent job. The cemetery gives a good understanding of the history of the period. Only a few buried there were living in Macau. Many were seamen, with the larger tombs acknowledging the captains. Cause of death is rarely given although one sailor did die in battle with the Chinese. Other graves include missionaries, traders, employees of the East India Company and people from Hong Kong. Long may the cemetery last."
Andrew Shepherd
"The Old Protestant Cemetery is found on Camoes Square along with fellow World Heritage attractions, Casa Garden, St. Anthony's church and the non-World Heritage Camoes Garden and Grotto. It is a nice inclusion to the Macau World Heritage collection, being the location where you can find the burial sites of the historical figures Robert Morrison and George Chinnery.
We enjoy visiting the Old Protestant Cemetery from time to time to see the Chinnery burial marker, being a bit of a fan of his work. You can see Chinnery's pieces as part of a permanent exhibition at the Macau Museum of Art as well. Other foreign protestants as well as prominent members of the East India Company, which operated just next door in the building located in Casa Garden, are buried here as well. You can see grave markets back as far as the 1760s at the Old Protestant Cemetery.
There is a small chapel that can be visited at this location as well. However, it is less interesting than many of the World Heritage churches that can be visited around the Historic Centre of Macau.
Overall, the Old Protestant Cemetery is a nice visit to make if you intend to visit the cluster of World Heritage attractions found at Cameos Square. Unfortunately, it is not as convenient to visit compared to the more centrally located attractions in the main part of the city centre. As such, we don't normally recommend a visit here for those just making a day trip. However, if you are in Macau and intend to see each of the Macau World Heritage collection, this one makes a nice stop.
For another very good cemetery visit experience, you can visit St. Micheal's Chapel and Cemetery (also known locally as Cemeterio do Sao Miguel Arcanjo) located near Tap Seac Square east of the city center."
Brad
"Fascinating glimpse into the past. Highlights of Macau’s Protestant cemetery include deaths at sea, from painful illness and tragedy, with many stones erected by friends and shipmates rather than family. A life and death abroad"
George W Russell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Protestant Cemetery is located on Camoes Square in Macau, near St. Anthony's Church and Casa Garden. It's accessible by public transport or a short taxi ride from the city center.
Yes, it's situated in a prominent area with other World Heritage attractions, making it relatively easy to locate.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk through interesting streets from St. Paul's Ruins to the cemetery.
Several bus routes stop near Camoes Square, providing easy access to the cemetery. Check local bus schedules for specific routes.
Parking can be limited in this area. It's generally recommended to use public transport or taxis.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Old Protestant Cemetery is generally free, allowing visitors to explore its grounds and historical graves.
The cemetery is typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local listings for specific times, as they may vary.
No, there is no entrance fee. It's a public space for historical exploration and quiet contemplation.
Yes, there is a small chapel within the cemetery grounds that can be visited.
While official guided tours might not always be available, the historical markers and inscriptions provide a self-guided tour experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see historical graves of missionaries, traders, seamen, and prominent figures like Robert Morrison and George Chinnery. The inscriptions offer insights into past lives.
The cemetery is generally well-maintained by a gardener, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere.
The cemetery is the resting place for foreign Protestants, members of the East India Company, missionaries, traders, and many seamen who died at sea.
Photography is generally permitted, but always be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive shots.
It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides a unique historical perspective on Macau's colonial past and the lives of its foreign residents.
📸 📸 Photography
The old headstones, the chapel, and the overall serene landscape offer great photographic opportunities. The inscriptions themselves can be very photogenic.
Yes, but always do so respectfully. Focus on the historical and artistic aspects of the headstones rather than intrusive close-ups.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the atmosphere of the cemetery. Early mornings can also be good for soft light and fewer people.
Generally, no strict restrictions, but always be mindful of other visitors and the sanctity of the place.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to be discreet with tripods to avoid disturbing the peace.
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