CHINA MACAU -THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF MACAU (PART 3)

10. ST AUGUSTINE’S CHURCH

First established by Spanish Augustinians in 1591, this church maintains the tradition of organizing one of the most popular processions through the city, the Easter Procession, involving thousands of devotees. In times past, during heavy rain, the priests used to reinforce the rooftop with fan palm leaves. See from afar, these leaves appeared to be dragon’s whiskers floating in the wind, hence the local Chinese named it Long Song Miu ( Temple of the Long Whiskered Dragon)

11. “ LEAL SENADO “ BUILDING

Originally built in 1784, this was Macau‘s first municipal chamber, a function it maintains to the present. The name “Leal Senado” (“Loyal Senate”) derives from the title “City of Our Name of God Macau”. There is None More Loyal” which was bestowed by Portuguese King Dom Jon IV in 1654. The “Leal Senado” Building is neo classical in design and has retained all its original master walls and primary layout, including the courtyard garden in the back.

Inside the building on the first floor there is a ceremonial meeting room that opens onto car an elaborate carved library styled after the library of Mafra Convent in Portugal and a small chapel.

12. SENADO SQUARE

Senado Square has been Macau’s urban centre for centuries and is still the most popular venue for public events and celebrations today. Located close to the former Senate Building, Sam Kai Vui Kun ( Kuan Tai Temple) is also a reminder of the active participation of the local Chinese community in general civic affairs, providing a clear example of the multicultural dimension of the Macao community. The square is surrounded by pastel coloured neo classical buildings, creating a consistent and harmonious Mediterranean atmosphere.

13. SAM KAI VUI KUN (KUAN TAI TEMPLE)

This temple is located close to the old Chinese Bazaar area, which nowadays functions as St Dominic’s Market, still keeping the essence of the original function of the area. The location of this Chinese construction at the heart of the main city square with its predominantly western style architecture illustrates the harmonious coexistence of the 2 cultures. This temple is directly associated with long standing Chinese business associations, precursors to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the city.

14.HOLY HOUSE OF MERCY

Established by the first Bishop of Macau in 1569, this institution was modeled after one of the most prominent and oldest charitable organizations in Portugal and was responsible for founding in Macau the first western style medical clinic and several other social welfare structures that still function to this day. The building is neo classical in the overall architectural treatment, but also depicts traces of mannerist influence.

15. CATHEDRAL

Built around 1622, the Cathedral was originally constructed with taipa (compound material consisting soil and straw). During the restoration of 1780, the religious services of the Cathedral were temporarily transferred to the old chapel of the Holy House of Mercy. The façade is characterized by pilasters and the twin belfries that stand out on the streetscape. The exterior is clad in Shanghai plaster, giving the church a monolithic subdued appearance.

16.  LOU KAU MANSION

The mansion is believed to be built in 1889. This was the home of Lou Kau, a prominent Chinese merchant who owned several imposing properties in the city. The location of this grand old house depicts the diverse social profile present in the centre of the old “Christian City”, where this traditional Chinese residence stands near Senado Square and Cathedral Square. Lou Kau Mansion is a 2 storey , traditional grey brick courtyard house, with the architectural characteristics of a typical xiguan Chinese residential building.

17. ST DOMINIC’S CHURCH

Founded in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests who originally came from Acapulco in Mexico, this church is also connected to the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary. It was here that the first Portuguese newspaper was published on Chinese soil, A Abelha da China (“The China Bee”), on 12^th September 1822. The bell tower, at the back of the building, has been modified into a small Museum of Sacred Art, now exhibiting a collection of around 300 artifacts.