Inside the Leal Senado Building
The Leal Senado Building (Loyal Senate Building), erected in 1784, is located on a square bearing the same name, Leal Senado Square (Largo do Leal Senado).
The architecture style in the Leal Senado building is neo-classical.
The main facade is 14.5 metres high and 44 metres wide and is divided into three sections by vertical granite projections. The central section of the main facade juts out slightly from the rest of the building and is topped by a triangular pediment 17 metres high. Granite Doric columns, supporting lintels made of the same material, flank the main entrance.
On the main facade there are rows of windows in simple Renaissance style with granite casings. In the middle section, there are three French windows on the first floor, opening on to balconies with iron railings.
The composition of the facade is completely symmetrical and the windows are the main architectural element, following a repetitive rhythmic pattern.
The floor plan of the building is arranged in a U-shape, with the arms turning away from the main avenue, Almeida Ribeiro Avenue. On the ground floor there is a spacious lobby used for public exhibitions and as a reception area.
The granite staircase that leads up to the courtyard garden
and to the public library and conference rooms on the first floor.
Walls covered with blue and white Portuguese ceramic tiles, a most distinctive feature rarely found in other buildings in Macao, flank the granite staircase, the central axis of the building.
The building is painted white which enhances the dark green colour applied on the window frames and on the main entrance door.
The gate from the garden to the main hall.
The small garden has an elegant and simple design with decorative objects such as a bronze bust of the poet Luis de Camoes.
Two headed fountain.
As a whole, the Leal Senado building dominates its urban surroundings, marking the centre of the main city square.The Leal Senado Building was constructed in 1784.
After the building was severely damaged by a typhoon in 1874, it underwent major renovation work in 1876. In 1887 the building's roof was repaired.
In 1904, the building underwent extensive renovations adapting it to more functional uses.
In 1936 the building was damaged by a typhoon and restoration work began in 1938 and was completed in 1940.
The former Leal Senado Building now houses the offices of the Institute for Civic and Municipal Affairs of the Macao SAR.
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