LEAL SENADO

This «loyal» Senate was named because it refused to recognize Spanish sovereignty. The Spanish occupied the territory for 60 years in the th century. The building is one of the most beautiful examples of Portuguese architecture in Macao. Built in 1784, it housed the Senate, itself constituted in 1585, which was then the Government of Macao. The Senate managed routine affairs and disputes with the Chinese authorities. Huge wooden doors give access to a large hall with magnificent azulejos, these famous blue and white tiled tiles from Portugal. On the ground floor, an art gallery has temporary exhibitions. In front of it, an imposing stone staircase leads to an inner garden with azulejos. The same staircase is then reached in the Senate on the right and the library on the left. The Senate consists of a large wooden hall. It retains, under the emblem of Portugal, the famous motto of Macau: Macao, quoted in the name of God, there was no more loyal. The library, opened in 1929, also deserves a visit: Its two superb rooms, opening on the central square, are entirely covered with wood panelling and its walls of antique works.