Gaze upon the Leal Senado Building. Its elegant facade whispers tales of centuries past. This isn’t just any building. It’s the heart of Macau’s history. The Leal Senado Building. For years it served as the seat of Portuguese Macau’s government. The Legislative Assembly and Municipal Council held court within these walls.
Imagine the bustling activity that once filled this U-shaped structure. The Portuguese government purchased the land in 1784. They bought a Chinese-style pavilion and some nearby houses. The cost? A hefty 80000 taels. The building itself was constructed afterward. It became Macau’s political center. Portuguese rallies and celebrations echoed through its halls. Interestingly it was built in a style reminiscent of 14th and 15th-century Portugal. This is far different from the Pombaline style popular at the time of its construction.
The Leal Senado Building has seen its share of change. A typhoon in 1936 caused damage. The building was completely refurbished in 1904. After Macau’s handover to China in 1999 the building became the headquarters of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau. It still holds this role today. It now also holds a special place as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The designation occurred in 2005.
Step inside the Leal Senado Building. Notice the plaque inside the entrance hall. King Joao VI ordered it. It commemorates Macau’s unwavering loyalty to Portugal. This loyalty was especially significant during the Iberian Union a period when Spain ruled Portugal. Macau refused to acknowledge Spanish sovereignty. The title Leal Senado meaning Loyal Senate reflects this steadfast allegiance.
Explore further. The building boasts a public library opened in 1929. It’s modeled after the library of Mafra Convent in Portugal. This library contains approximately 18500 books. It’s rich in foreign language books. Many date from the 17th century to the 1950s. The collection emphasizes Portuguese history in Africa and the Far East. The building maintains its original master walls and layout. The courtyard garden at the back completes the charm. A statue of the famed Portuguese poet Luis Vaz de Camoes stands there as a testament to cultural ties. Today art exhibitions are held regularly in the exhibition hall on the first floor. The convention hall on the second floor still hosts public meetings. This includes press conferences for the Municipal Affairs Bureau. The Leal Senado Building continues to thrive as a testament to the enduring history of Macau.