Travel: Macao St Lazarus Church & Local Art District

saint lazarus church macauSaint Lazarus church is one of Macao’s oldest built in the 16th century in an interesting neighbourhood that reminds one of Europe, it is also the first Chinese church in Macau for Chinese who converted to catholicism. The segregation of Chinese and Portuguese was distinct.     6472_4

The church was originally built “outside the city walls” that have been long demolished and was once known as the “leprosy quarter”, “Lazaro” meaning lepers in Portuguese.

6472_3

The area also survived the plague that swept through in the late 19th century.  Today, the feast day of St Roque – patron saint against the plague is still celebrated the second Sunday of July.

c8392cd398befa7ccc191aea43ac86cd691b02d7

6472_2

6881912045_313fc864c6_b

344_1

The church was originally built with wood in the 16th century, before it was reconstructed in stone and concrete in 1886. The  interiors are modest and simple and have remained the same for centuries.

6472_7

While you’re in the area, spend a couple of hours wandering the vicinity, the Lazarus Quarter is also the vein of the local creative arts scene. Begin at Albergue SCM otherwise know as “Old Ladies House” to the locals as it once served as a home for single elderly women. The building is now home to exhibitions of local artists and a rustic shop selling Portuguese memorabilia.

6881903579_82feb8767d_b

After you’re done with souvenir shopping, head opposite the courtyard to enjoy a coffee and cake at Albergue 1601 café in the courtyard shaded by large camphor trees, before heading up some stairs to 10 Fantasia art space next door featuring more local art and workshops.

6472_8

Some local homegrown brands to note include Lines Lab, spearheaded by two Portuguese designers and Cocoberryeight a swimwear label by Macanese designer Barbara Ian Bareto.

6472_4

The area is great for photography, whether it’s for instagram or travel photography, the evening light lends it old world European charm.

Screen Shot 2017-11-30 at 17.18.35

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

You May Also Like