ST. ANTHONY’S CHURH
St. Anthony’s Church is one of the three ancient Catholic churches in Macau, originally built in the 15th century as a Jesuit station. The original church was a simple thatched chapel, but like many early churches in Macau, it was damaged by fires.
The church is known as the “Church that Attracts Fire”. In 1930, the bell tower and main facade were rebuilt, and the church’s interior was renovated in 1951 and 1953, especially the altar. Today, repairs focus on the walls, portraits of saints, and structural elements to preserve its historical significance.
Poster Author
Daniel Hpung Rawng Naw Ja
How to cite
LabourMap-Macao: Mass labour impact on Public Works in Macau under Portuguese administration (1849-1999) (P.I. Ana Vaz Milheiro, FCT/2023.14980.PEX).
St. Anthony Church. Accessed on 3rd December 2025. Available at: https://archlabour.iscte-iul.pt/st-anthonys-church/
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Materials & Systems
The church was first built in 1558 using thatch and bamboo. Inside, the church features a brick and wood structure with oval wooden vaults and a sloped roof. The layout includes a rectangular central hall with walls divided by pilasters. The interior is painted yellow and adorned with white, highlighted by a grand white main altar, large chandeliers, and colorful stained-glass windows, creating a romantic atmosphere. The front facade is in neoclassical style, while the altar showcases Baroque design with intricate details.
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Workers & Skills
St. Anthony’s Church was built and maintained by a variety of skilled workers. Architects designed the layout, ensuring beauty and stability. Stonemasons constructed the stone walls, while carpenters built the wooden structures, including the roof. Painters added yellow and white paint, enhancing the church’s charm. Glaziers created stained glass windows for color, and restoration experts repaired fire damage, keeping the church historically accurate.
LabourMap-Macao is an Exploratory Project funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (2023.14980.PEX).
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