Passage 2 As the first European settlement in the Far East, Macau, which became a colony of the Portuguese Empire in 1557, is
hugely significant in the history of East-West relations, not to mention its considerable architectural and aesthetic merits, which
helped lead its designation as a world heritage site in 2005 by UNESCO. No trip to Macau is complete without a visit to its
famous Historic Centre.
The beating heart of the city’s urban center is Senado Square. Home to shops, snacks and a never-ending stream of public
events and celebrations, few places epitomize Macau’s old-meets-new beauty in the same way. It’s only enhanced by the
borrowed Mediterranean atmosphere which comes courtesy of the many surrounding neoclassical-style buildings painted in
pastel colors and the square’s ornate tile work.
Particularly iconic in the Historic Centre is the A-Ma Temple. Constructed in the 15th century, the temple was originally
built for the sea goddess A-Ma. Over the centuries, it has evolved to become home to a number of different beliefs: Buddhism,
Confucianism and Taoism, in addition to a number of local folk beliefs. Even today, A-Ma Temple remains a site of pilgrimage
for many, particularly during the Chinese Spring Festival.
But perhaps the best-known monument in Macau is the Ruins of St Paul’s. Once a large church, the southern stone façade is
the only part of the building that remains standing after a big fire several centuries ago. Covered in Eastern-influenced carvings
of Christian themes, it stands as a testament to the artistic skills of the monks working for St. Paul’s in the early decades of the
17th century and it is frequently used as a spectacular centerpiece during Macau’s annual Arts Festival.
For centuries the meeting point between East and West, Macau is an enchanting paradox, a city where ultra-modern
buildings co-exist with sites of the ancient past, seemingly drawn from two separate worlds.
【題組】31. According to the passage, which of the following statements concerning A-Ma Temple is NOT true?
(A) It was first built to worship the sea goddess.
(B) It combines the ultra-modern and the ancient past of Macau.
(C) It is very popular especially during the Chinese Spring Festival
(D) It was built earlier than the original church of the Ruins of St Paul’s.