Walls of Macau

The Section of the Old City Walls are the remains of a wall that surrounded the colonial city of Macau, in Portuguese Macau, in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The wall's construction is unique because it was built of clay, sand, rice straw, rocks, and oyster shells.

History

Its construction began as early as 1569, and the wall was used as a defensive measure against attacks by the Chinese and other invaders.

After a failed attempt by the Dutch to invade the city, it was fortified and greatly improved by the Ming authorities in 1622 to withstand future military attacks. Because the wall was not properly maintained, it slowly collapsed over time, and only small portions still remain.

Conservation

The Section of the Old City Walls is now part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site.

See also

• List of oldest buildings and structures in Macau