Lou Kau Mansion
Macau Chinese House
No. 7, Travessa da Sé
This Chinese House was built in around 1889 and was one of the residences
of the wealthy Lou Lim Iok family.
Constructed in grey brick, this two-storey building is a typical Chinese house divided into a main hall with side wings. Two interior patios bring in natural light and divide the house into three sections.
The Lou Kau Mansion is a tradtional Chinese courtyard home. The mansion is located on one of the alleys close to Largo do Senado.
The architectural characteristics of the mansion is typical of Xiguan Chinese residential house. The façade has a recessed entrance which creates an overhanging eave to provides shelter during bad weather while at the same time protects the relief frieze decorations from the elements. This design is common in the houses from the Lingnan region.
Lou Kau Mansion is symmetrical in arrangement. Two courtyards separates the three main halls. All are arranged within an axis. The three halls are the Entrance Hall, Tea Hall and Senior Hall. This arrangement of the halls demonstrates the hierarchical structure of Chinese families, especially the affluent. The deeper one ventures into the home, the closer one gets to the private quarters and space for senior members.
Although Lou Kau Mansion is a typical Chinese house, the ornamentation shows that elements of Western design are incorporated. This includes the neo-classical balustrades and perforated wooden ceilings similar to those on Macau's churches.
At the main entrance a screen was placed to prevent bad luck, according to the requirements of geomancy. The window design reflects the influence of Western architecture.
Lou Kau Mansion is one of the sights within the Historic Centre of Macau and is inscribed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.
Macau Orchestra has held several mini concerts in the mansion, featuring in particular Cantonese music.
Lou Kau Mansion Opening Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays)
Free Admission & Guided Tour
Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
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