Serving as a point of pilgrimage for sailors embarking on a hazardous voyage, the chapel was founded in 1622 by the crew and passengers of a Portuguese ship which had narrowly escaped capture by the Dutch raiders.The chapel was completely rebuilt, along with the Bishop's Palace in 1837. Located at the top of Penha Hill, it affords views of the inner harbour, the magnificent Macau-Taipa bridge, and nearby towns in China.

The first chapel was erected by the crew and passengers of a ship which had a narrow escape from the Dutch. Later the chapel served as shrine for sailors embarking on often hazardous voyages. The chapel today dates back to 1837 when it was completely rebuilt along with the Bishop's Palace. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. The bell tower of the Church is very distinctive and can be seen anywhere from the harbor. On one side of the large open courtyard fronting the church is a marble image of the Blessed Virgin Mary facing the border of China, as if praying for that magnificent land. Her prayers are definitely bearing fruit because now thousands of Chinese tourist dutifully climb up her little hill.

At the foot of a flight of stone steps is a popular grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Along the grotto is also a nice garden with fountains, seating and children's playground. Nearby is a bronze gravestone with Portuguese inscriptions indicating the resting place of Bishop John Bouner of Macau who was buried here on 18 February 1918. On a clear day the panoramic view from here includes not only Macau but across the Pearl River into China. One can see the whole harbor and a great collection of old and modern architecture: the Chief Executive's Palace, other colonial residences, the Macau Tower, and the man-made lakes. Every year, on the 13th of May, thousand of faithful joins the image of Our Lady of Fatima for a pilgrimage and procession. The procession begins from Sto. Domingo Church and meanders through the narrow streets of Macau. The procession finally ends in the little courtyard of Penha Church.

Every year at this day, thousands of devotees coming from all over, never fails to accompany the Blessed Virgin Mary. Three children, dressed as the three child seers, lead the procession.

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Bus 6, 9, 16, 28B