Saint Anthony Church

Saint Anthony Church is consider to be the first church of Macau. The original Saint Anthony church was built in 1565. The history of the present building is introduced briefly on a plaque by the door: "Built in 1638. Burnt in 1809. Rebuilt in 1810. Burnt again in 1874. Repaired in 1875" However, there is a cross in the churchyard bearing the date of 1636. Another fire make another restoration is necessary in 1930 and further work was done on the facade and tower in 1940. The present neo-classical church dates back to 1930 and 1950 remodeling. The interior area of church is extremely elegant. The barrel roof whidh is made of wood has simple trimmings. The high altar is one of the best neo-classical architecture in Macau.The local district or area is traditionally Macanese. Sunday services in Portuguese are still remained in this church. Previously, members of the Portuguese community would hold wedding ceremonies there, so It was given the Chinese name of Fa Vong Tong (Church of Flowers).