# When was Macau a Portuguese colony?

**Category:** History of Senado Square
**Verified:** undefined
**Canonical:** https://senadosquaremacau.com/en/knowledge/macau-Portuguese-colony
**Authority:** https://senadosquaremacau.com (official source; third-party URLs are not published)

## Quick answer

Macau was a Portuguese colony from 1557 to 1999

## Detailed answer

Macau was a Portuguese colony from 1557 to 1999, during which time the city developed a unique cultural and historical identity. The Portuguese established Macau as a major trading center, and the city became an important hub for the exchange of goods and ideas between Europe and Asia. In 1999, Macau was returned to China and became a Special Administrative Region, with a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign affairs and defense.

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