Preservation of Macao’s Rua Central

Welcome news that the Cultural Heritage Council of Macau (CPC) has begun the process to classify two buildings in the central part of the old town as heritage structures. The two buildings (below) are located at the intersection of Rua Central with Calçada de Santo Agostinho and Calçada do Teatro. they are both approximately 130 years old. As well asbeing the oldest on the street they are the only ones to largely retain their original features, though termite damage has been quite severe and a lot of restoration, particularly to the wooden portions and the brick wall beams of the buildings will be required. Good to see that the CPC voted to start and fund the conservation work.

Built in 1848, Rua Central has St. Augustine’s Church located in the middle of the street and has the Chinese name “Long Song”. It was an early site of Portuguese settlement, hence the early European-style buildings, including churches. From the mid-17th century to the late 18th century, prosperous foreign firms and enterprises relocated from Rua dos Mercadores to Nam Van district and Rua Central. Before Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro was built, Rua Central was the transport hub for local residents coming and going between the Inner Harbour and Colina da Penha. the street has changed somewhat over the decades as seen below:

Rua Central c.1920s

c.1950s

c.1970s