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Leal Senado

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travel2000
travel2000
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Leal Senado

  • March 29, 2009
  • Rated 4 of 5 by LenR from Townsville, Australia
Leal Senado

If you are facing this building you are in the centre of ‘Old Macau’. This is probably the most photographed building in the city and it is often cited as an outstanding example of Portuguese architecture. Unfortunately, the rapidly growing traffic along the street is diminishing the appeal of the building considerably.

The building was constructed in 1784 as Macau’s first municipal chamber. Two hundred and twenty five years later it still serves the same function. The name "Leal Senado" or 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 John IV in 1654.

The Leal building is neo-classical in design and has retained all its original master walls and layout. The highlights inside are the elaborately carved library, a small chapel and a wonderful courtyard. There is also a museum and art gallery. It really is worth some of your time. The library is styled after the library of Mafra Convent in Portugal and is outstanding. It is only open on weekdays, however.

On the main facade there are rows of windows in simple renaissance style with granite casings. In the middle section, there are three French windows on the first floor, opening on to balconies with iron railings. The composition of the facade is completely symmetrical and the windows are the main architectural element.

The floor plan of the building is a U-shape, with the arms turned away from the main road, Almeida Ribeiro Avenue. On the ground floor there is a spacious lobby used for public exhibitions and as a reception area. When we were there at Chinese New Year, it was elaborately decorated and crowded with visitors. A granite staircase leads up to the courtyard garden and to the public library and conference rooms on the first floor. The granite staircase walls are covered with blue and white Portuguese ceramic tiles, a most distinctive feature rarely found in other buildings in Macao.

The building is painted white which enhances the dark green colour applied on the window frames and on the main entrance door.

From journal World Heritage Macau

Editor Pick

Leal Senado Square

  • November 8, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by travel2000 from New York, New York
Leal Senado Square

The swirl of the black-and-white floor mosaic is the signature of this pedestrian-only square. The centerpiece is a nice fountain and this part of the city is also a main shopping district. This used to be a mess. In fact, I didn't even know this existed until they cleaned up the square. Now, there are often markets and fairs held here. There is a government building (very colonial looking, check out my photos) across from the square although I can't recall the name. You can't miss it.

From journal Macau, A Slice of Europe.

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