St. Lawrence's Church

St. Lawrence's Church

Introduction

Located on Rua de São Lourenço, St. Lawrence's Church is also known as Fengshun Church (Feng Shun Tang), and is a famous cathedral in Macau, covering a large area. Fengshun Church was built in 1560 and has undergone several renovations over the years, one of the more significant being in 1618. The refurbishment carried out in 1979 also added further luster to this ancient church. In the age of wind-powered sailing ships, ocean voyages were very perilous. In the past, when the Portuguese set sail, they relied on the wind for their journeys. Whenever ships set out from port, sailors would come to the church to pray for favorable winds.

Walking up the stone steps, you enter the “domain” of the church, where the St. Lawrence's Church stands amidst greenery. In front of the church entrance are two flights of stone steps leading directly to the main door, giving it an imposing appearance. On either side stand bell towers—one housing a clock for timekeeping, and the other a bronze bell used to toll during Mass. The roof of the church features traditional Chinese-style hip-and-gable tiles. Inside the sanctuary hang antique chandeliers, which are a proud feature of St. Lawrence's Church. The interior is majestic and solemn, with decorations rich in oriental character and classic charm.

The altar enshrines the statue of St. Lawrence, dressed in resplendent robes, holding a Bible in one hand and a staff in the other—solemn and dignified. Among the often seafaring Portuguese, he is regarded as the deity who protects safety and bestows favorable winds. Special Note: Access is via Rua do Dragoeiro. Open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During your visit, please avoid making loud noises and respect local customs. Transportation

Bus routes 9, 16, and 28B can get you there.

Macau, Macau