15. ST JOSEPH ( SAO JOSE), RUA DO SEMINARIO
This church was opened in 1758 as part of the Jesuit seminary of St Joseph. Located on a hill, with twin brick roofed towers, it was a famous landmark that was often a subject for artist. It is laid out in cruciform shape, with a high domed ceiling. Its exceptionally fine acoustics make it an excellent venue for concerts during the annual International Music Festival. A door beside the altar leads to an exquisite walled garden containing an ancient well and plant nursery.
16. ST LAWRENCE’S ( SAO LOURENCO), RUA DE S. LOURENCO
Today the most fashionable church in Macau, St Lawrence’s was first built of wood in the 1560’s , replaces by Taipa in 1618 and reconstructed in stone 1801-3. Further renovations took place throughout the 19th century.
The church is an imposing structure, standing in a garden filled with palm trees. It can be approached from the rear or, by way of a grand staircase and ornamental gate. Painted in cream and white, St Lawrence’s Church has twin towers, one of which was once an ecclesiastic prison and a fine Chinese tile roof.
The interior is richly decorated. It has a magnificent wooden ceiling painted turquoise with white and gold beams, from which hang elegant chandeliers. The high alter contains a handsome figure of St Lawrence in gorgeous vestments. Above him hangs a crown held by a cherub and behind is a stained glass window with a dove of peace. Over the window is a wooden lamb.
17. ST LAZARU ( SAO LAZARO), CALCADA DA IGREJA DE S. LAZARO
The first building on this site was the Hermitage of Our Lady of Hope, or more popularly St Lazarus, established in 1570 to serve lepers. At the same time a settlement for lepers was built outside the old city walls. (This was transferred to D.Joao Island in 1882 and to Coloane in 1947, where it is today).
St Lazarus was rebuilt in 1885. In the forecourt is the Cross of Hope from the original chapel.
18. THE CATHEDRAL ( SE),LARGO DA SE
The present building stands on the site of several previous cathedrals. The original cathedral was the church of Our Lady of Hope of St Lazarus, declared the mother church of the Macau diocese which included the religious provinces of China, Japan Korea and other islands adjacent to China. The first stone Cathedral, consecrated in 1850, was almost destroyed in a typhoon 24 years later and had to be extensively repaired.
The Cathedral was completely rebuilt in 1937. It has 2 solid towers and massive doors. Inside, its chief beauty lies in its fine stained glass windows.
Many of the major events of the church calendar focus on the Cathedral, especially at Easter when, in addition to the procession of Our Lord of the Passion, there is a solemn parade of Good Friday and special masses on Easter Sunday.
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