Chapel of Our Lady of Penha, Macau

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Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Penha

Chapel of Our Lady of Penha or Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Penha is a Catholic chapel at the top of Penha Hill, or Colina da Penha, in Macau. Due to its location, is one of the most visible landmarks in the Macau peninsula.

The Chapel of Our Lady of Penha was built in 1622 by the crew and passengers of a Portuguese ship that managed to out-run the Dutch. They are Augustinians, which is to say, followers of the Catholic monastic order after St. Augustine of Hippo. The chapel that they built became a shrine for those who were going to embark on sea voyages.

The chapel structure that we see today dates back to 1837 when the whole structure, along with the adjacent Bishop's Palace, was completely rebuilt. On the compound of the chapel is an statue of the Virgin Mary facing the direction of the city of Macau (or, some say, facing the direction of China).

Getting there

Take bus Nos. 9 or 16, which takes you to Rua da Penha, the hill road near the peak. Get down anywhere at the hill, and walk up to the chapel at the top.