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The Colina da Penha is otherwise known for Bishop Hill, because the magnificent Bishop's Residence is on the hill. By the side of the Bishop's Residence, there is a St. Mary Hall called Chapel of Our Lady of Penha which was built in 1622. The Chapel is simple, situated in the middle of winding hillpath. The then Colina da Penha was only a fort. Since the dismantlement of the fort in 1892 the Chapel was enlarged up to the grand scale of today. The Bell Tower of the Church is high to the cloud, solemn in silence. The surrounding is picturesque for path in the flowering shrubs and the thick growth of grass, shadowy woods and magnificent buildings. In front of the church there is a high terrace on which stands the statue of Virgin Mary of marble sculpture who folds her two hands, facing the sea with kindly face.
Below the Church, there is Lutheran Mary grotto. Along the left and right encircling stone flight of stairs, you may go down to the front of the grotto, inside which there is an arch gate among rocks, with the St. Virgin Mary Statue standing within. It symbolizes the scene that she made her presence felt before public in the Luther city of France during ancient times. In front of the grotto, there stands a short statue of elder priest for disciples to worship. Alongside, there is a bronze gravestone inscribed in Portuguese where is the tomb of the bishop of Macau in the early 20th century.
On 18 February 1918, bishop John Bouner was buried here after his death. Standing on the Hill, you can enjoy the scenery of the Macau-Taipa Bridge crossing the harbour from afar and the natural scene of Zhuhai area at a distance. many buildings have the south European architecture style of sea shore city of Europe, because of the fascinating scenery and superb surroundings.
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