The Cathedral of Macau, also known as Sé Catedral, or simply Sé, is the mother church of the Catholic diocese of Macau, which once included the Catholic parishes in China, Japan and Korea. The diocese was formed even before Macau came under Portuguese administration. A church has stood on the site of the cathedral going back to as early as 1576, when it was a mere wooden shed. This was replaced by a more permanent structure in 1622.
Services were held here except when it underwent repairs in 1780, when Mass was done at the Holy House of Mercy. However, the repairs did not save it from a mighty typhoon that blew it down in 1836. Services were then continued at the St Dominic's Church, until its replacement, designed by local architect Tomas d'Aquino, was built between 1844 and 1850. On 14 February, 1950, Bishop Jeronimo José da Mata consecrated the cathedral church of Macau and the first Mass was held there.
The cathedral stood firm against several more typhoons. Nonetheless, by the 1930's, it had to be rebuilt. The present building, in the shape of a basilica, dates to the reconstruction which was completed in 1937. It was finished in Shanghai plaster, which gives it a greyish appearance. Compared to the other churches in Macau, the Cathedral is somewhat plain. The cathedral has a pair of towers in front, and a massive front entrance. It holds sacred relics of Japanese martyrs from the persecution of Christians in the 17th century.
To the left of the Cathedral (or right, if you're looking out from it) is the Bishop's House (Paço Episcopal). It is finished in stucco, and painted cream with white trimmings, more like the other churches in Macau. Right in front of the Cathedral is the Cartório da Sé, or Cathedral Registrar. This was where marriage registrations, births and deaths are recorded.
The courtyard was beautified recently (2005-2006?) and a fountain added in the place of a car park. Visitors can now sit here and take a rest from exploring the sites in Macau.
Getting there
From Largo do Senado, there was several alleys that lead to the Cathedral. If you are unsure, look for signboard pointing the direction. The main way is to walk towards the St Dominic's Church, then turn right. Go up the road a short distance, then turn right again, and the road leads to the Cathedral.
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