Visitors to Macau will hardly pass up an opportunity to visit parts of old Macau that still offer some of the most impressive and valuable architectural features of the city. Dating from the early 17th century these buildings acutely evoke the lifestyle of a bygone era. The historic centre of Macau, of which Lilau Square is a part, is among the more than twenty locations that form part of old Macau. Built around and named after a natural spring that served the whole settlement, Lilau Square was one of the first Portuguese residential settlements in Macau. As the city was the first European settlement in the Far East and the last European colony in Asia it has a rich visible history than its neighbour Hong Kong due to hundreds of years of interaction between European and Chinese cultures. Old parts of the city still have a very European feel to it and being small can easily be covered on foot. This is also a good way to discover little gems like Lilau Square.
The arrangement of the buildings round the shaded square exudes a distinct Mediterranean feel enhanced by its location on Penha Hill. Solid box like buildings painted in pastel and darker shades so reminiscent of those in Portugal follow the contours of the hill giving it an even more continental look. As in most Mediterranean piazzas the water fountain occupies a central spot. Tree shaded sitting areas and walkways, house with arched doorways, some with slatted windows, balconies overlooking the square, almost all with tiled roofs and plain exteriors highlight the European influence on the design. People still sit on shaded wrought iron benches in the square to exchange news of the day or the latest bit of gossip and wonder the quiet paved streets. Opposite the square is the Mandarin’s House that offers a contrast in architectural styles as one is typically Chinese. The buildings and piazza here is part of the architectural and historical legacy that reflects the multicultural aspects of the historic port city and given it it’s unique identity. The Macau heritage walk is a good way to see the buildings designated as UNESCO world heritage sites of which Lilau Square is one.
Extensive renovation work was carried out in Lilau Square between 1996 and 97 in an effort to preserve the essential European look street lamps and benches that enhanced the look were added, a hundred year old banyan tree that shades the square was retained and the cobble stones were replaced with small tiles that give the square a much neater look and are easier to walk on.
Luxury and several world firsts are synonymous with Galaxy Macau resort hotel. That they have some of the most luxurious accommodation in the city is confirmed by the lavishly decorated spacious guest rooms and suites at this Macau hotel. In keeping with its extravagant style, this one of premier Macau Hotels offers the world’s largest sky wave pool in a resort like setting, the world’s first whiskey bar and lounge, a choice of really fabulous Asian and European dining options, retail facilities and a casino making it a not to be missed Macau hotel destination.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry. Google+
