St. Francis Xavier Church (Coloane), Macau - CHIJMES is a historic building complex in Singapore's Central Business District, which began life in 1852 as a Catholic convent known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. The complex was restored in 1996 for commercial purposes.
1 / 10

St. Francis Xavier Church Coloane Macau

4.2
·530 reviews·, Macao

A charming 1928 yellow Catholic church in Coloane Village, featuring a bell tower and stained-glass windows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
St. Francis Xavier Church (Coloane), Macau - CHIJMES is a historic building complex in Singapore's Central Business District, which began life in 1852 as a Catholic convent known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. The complex was restored in 1996 for commercial purposes.

St. Francis Xavier Church Coloane Macau

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming 1928 yellow Catholic church in Coloane Village, featuring a bell tower and stained-glass windows.

4.2
(530 reviews)

"A peaceful sanctuary with a beautiful yellow facade and lovely stained-glass windows."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Yellow

The vibrant yellow exterior is a must-photograph! Best light is morning.

🤫 Be Respectful

It's an active church. Keep noise low and dress modestly.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Yellow Facade

Historic Yellow Facade

Exterior

The iconic bright yellow exterior stands out, a beautiful example of colonial architecture.

Stained-Glass Windows

Stained-Glass Windows

Interior

Admire the vibrant, detailed stained-glass windows that cast colorful light within the sanctuary.

Bell Tower

Bell Tower

Exterior

The elegant bell tower adds to the church's picturesque silhouette against the Macau sky.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

This charming church is a peaceful escape, but can get busy. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate its serene atmosphere and intricate stained-glass windows. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more tranquil experience.

Respectful Exploration

As an active place of worship, remember to dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor. Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of ongoing services. Check for any specific visitor guidelines upon arrival.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

NYC Catholic Church Tours Part XXII: St. Francis Xavier 46 West 16th Street #catholic
@adam.llorens
1.2K likes • 18.5K views

📸 Capture the Yellow

The vibrant yellow exterior is a must-photograph! Best light is morning. Instagram

🤫 Be Respectful

It's an active church. Keep noise low and dress modestly. TikTok

12月なのになんと今日は25度?!☀️ もうすぐクリスマス🎄 早く寒くな〜れ‼︎❄️ 今天天氣超好,是帶寶寶郊遊的好日子~ 但25度也太熱了吧💦 #現在想一齊影張相都難 #一秒跑開 #マカオ #聖フランシスコザビエル教会
maggie.b_nakashima
213 likes • 0 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Coloane Village

Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming village. Instagram

No content available

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Yellow

The vibrant yellow exterior is a must-photograph! Best light is morning. Instagram

🤫 Be Respectful

It's an active church. Keep noise low and dress modestly. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore Coloane Village

Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming village. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(530 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find St. Francis Xavier Church to be a beautiful and serene spot in charming Coloane Village. Its distinctive yellow facade and peaceful interior with stained-glass windows are frequently praised. While small, it offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Macau's colonial past.

"A scenic and relaxing place at the bayside, with a cluster of restaurants, cafes, snack shops and tourist attritions. A half-day walk is recommended."

Narvik Tsoi

"The main church on the island for which the district is named. Relatively small and quiet with the unique flavor of the domestic culture."

Horace Chan

"⛪This church is located close to the ocean at in memory of St.Francis Xavier. He introduced christianty to Japan for the first time in 1549. Also you will find the quaint coloane village with Its pastel Portuguese-style🇵🇹 houses and narrow lanes. (coloane is the southernmost area in Macau.🇲🇴) It had a solemn and mysterious atmosphere. Anyway, ⛪This church offers a serene retreat with a rich blend of history, culture and natural beauty."

Shinichiro Yamaji

What People Like

Beautiful yellow exterior
Peaceful atmosphere
Stained-glass windows

What People Dislike

Can be small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is located in Coloane Village. You can reach it by public bus, with routes like 21A or 26A stopping nearby. Taxis are also readily available. Instagram

Parking can be limited in Coloane Village, especially on weekends. It's often easier to use public transport or a taxi. Instagram

Yes, Coloane Village is quite walkable. The church is centrally located and easy to find as you explore the village. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the church is generally free. It's a place of worship, so donations are appreciated but not required. TikTok

The church is typically open during daylight hours, but it's best to check for specific mass times or any temporary closures. TikTok

Photography is usually permitted, but it's important to be discreet and avoid flash photography, especially during services. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the yellow facade. Morning light is also good for capturing the exterior. Instagram

Yes, the stained-glass windows create beautiful light patterns inside. Focus on capturing the details and the ambiance. TikTok

The entire exterior, especially the bell tower and the vibrant yellow walls, are highly photogenic. The surrounding village also offers charming backdrops. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Francis Xavier Church in Coloane Village is a peaceful and visually appealing stop for families. The bright yellow exterior is engaging for children, and the stained-glass windows inside can spark their imagination. It's a good opportunity to introduce kids to different cultures and historical sites in a calm environment. Combine the visit with a stroll through the village, which is generally safe and less crowded than other parts of Macau. Instagram

Consider bringing a small notebook for kids to sketch what they see, or tell them a simple story about the saint the church is named after. The relaxed atmosphere of Coloane Village makes it a pleasant outing for families looking for a break from more intense tourist activities.

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers

If you're on a day trip to Macau and want to experience a different side of the territory, a visit to St. Francis Xavier Church in Coloane Village is highly recommended. It's easily accessible by bus from the Macau Peninsula or Taipa. Allocate a few hours to explore the church and the surrounding village, perhaps enjoying a local lunch. Instagram

This offers a refreshing contrast to the casinos and busy streets, providing a more historical and tranquil perspective on Macau. It’s a perfect addition to a day focused on exploring Macau's heritage and natural beauty.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

St. Francis Xavier Church, built in 1928, is a significant landmark in Coloane Village. Its construction reflects the Portuguese colonial influence on Macau, blending European architectural styles with local adaptations. The church was named after Saint Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary who played a crucial role in spreading Christianity in Asia.

The church's relatively simple yet elegant design, characterized by its bright yellow facade and bell tower, makes it a distinctive sight. Inside, visitors can admire the stained-glass windows, which are a common feature in Catholic churches and add a spiritual dimension to the interior through their colorful illumination. The church has served as a spiritual center for the local community for decades, witnessing the evolution of Coloane Village.

Visiting St. Francis Xavier Church offers a chance to connect with Macau's historical and religious heritage. It's a peaceful sanctuary that provides a moment of reflection amidst the charm of Coloane. The church's enduring presence is a testament to its importance in the local landscape and community life. Instagram

Exploring Coloane Village

St. Francis Xavier Church is nestled within the picturesque Coloane Village, a tranquil area on Macau's largest island. This village offers a stark contrast to the bustling city center, providing a glimpse into a more laid-back Macau. The church itself is a central point of interest, but the surrounding streets are equally worth exploring.

Wander through the narrow lanes lined with traditional houses, discover local eateries serving authentic Macanese cuisine, and enjoy the slower pace of life. The village is also home to other points of interest, such as the Tin Hau Temple and the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, which is a different, older structure. The proximity of these sites makes it easy to create a walking tour of the village.

Coloane Village is an ideal destination for those seeking a more authentic and less crowded experience of Macau. It’s a place where you can truly unwind and soak in the local atmosphere. The St. Francis Xavier Church serves as a beautiful anchor to this charming historical settlement. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2