The Building at 1, 2, 3, Cathedral Square (Casa no Largo de Se, No 1, 2, 3) currently serve as the headquarters and offices of the Macao Roman Catholic Diocese.
With a simple form, the main facade is correspondingly divided into five identical patterns by twin-pilaster columns, creating a distinctive facade rhythm.
Building at 1, 2, 3, Cathedral Square, Facade, History, Photos, Macau
The Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady, also the current cathedral for the Diocese of Macau, is one of the important sites here. During its humble beginnings in the 17th century, it was merely a small wooden chapel, though in 1623, it was upgraded to cathedral status. In 1937, the cathedral had undergone a complete restoration.
The square also features a small cobblestone street with benches to relax and admire the architecture and a beautiful fountain with a chalice-like structure. Dolphins and seahorse decorations are added near the top, spilling water into a basin.
The Portuguese Tiles Mural are the tiled blue and white murals in the lower area behind the square. The murals depict Macau’s early days through the eyes of George Chinnery, a renowned 19th-century artist. What makes these murals so special is that looking at them gives you a peek into what the country looked like some two centuries ago. The square is beautiful to stroll around during the day and is equally as picturesque at night when it lights up, giving one the feeling that you are in Europe.
Visitors can easily walk to other historical attractions near the square. One of these is the Senado Square, a large public area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built during the 16th century and was frequently used by the Portuguese and Chinese for meetings. By 1940, a small garden in the centre was added, which featured a bronze statue of Vicente Nicolau de Mesquita.
The Buildings at 1, 2, 3, Cathedral Square, and its nearby sites make sightseeing easy, with lots to do and see just a few minutes away.
