Chapel of Our Lady of Guia, Macau

Chapel of Our Lady of Guia (10 November 2007)


The Chapel of Our Lady of Guia, or Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Guia, is a small chapel built at the top of Guia Hill. Built in the 17th century, the chapel is part of Fortaleza da Guia, or Guia Fort. According to legend, during the Dutch invasion of Macau in 1622, the image of the Virgin left the chapel and held out her robe to deflect the enemies' bullets.

The present chapel dates from 1637 and contains the Image and a fine old painting of St. John the Baptist, Macau's patron saint. The Chapel of Our Lady of Guia is said to be dedicated to the Lady of the Snows. The Lady of the Snows was a legend that came about during the time of Pope Liberius (352-366AD). There was in Rome a couple, John and his wife, who were without children. They made a vow to donate their property to the Virgin Mary. They prayed to her to give them a sign so that they will know how they can dispose of their property in her honor.

On 5 August, which was the height of summer in Rome, snow fell on Esquiline Hill. The couple took that as a sign from the Virgin Mary, and they built a basilica on Esquiline Hill in her honor. However, as there was no mention of this miracle until a few hundred years later, a congregation set up by Pope Benedict XIV in 1741 proposed that the reading of the legend be removed, and it was eventually implemented in 1969.

The chapel is quite small. The nave measures only 16 meters by 4.5 meters. The vaulted ceiling has what appears to me as unfinished frescoes. According to restorers, the froescoes are about 300 years old. Murals appear on the ceiling and walls have since been restored during my visit.

Altar of the Chapel of Our Lady of Guia (10 November 2007)


The Chapel of Our Lady of Guia open daily to the public. As part of Guia Fortress, it is one of the sights within the Historic Centre of Macau inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

Getting there

Chapel of Our Lady of Guia is located at the top of Guia Hill. You can climb it from its entrance at Avenida de Sidonio Pais. It is possible to walk up the hill, or you may also consider taking the cable car. It operates Tues-Sun 8:00am-6:00pm and the fare is MOP$3.00 return, MOP$2.00 one way.

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