St. Paul College Historical Role and Influence in the Development of Macao

Abstract

Macao is the first western city in East Asia, founded by Portuguese merchants, adventurers and missionaries. The first permanent urban complex in the city was the Jesuit′s Saint Paul College (SPC) that had a decisive role in Macao′s history. The objective of this paper is to analyze the role, influence and functions of Saint Paul College in the last 450 years. Because no plans or drawings survived to the present days, retrieving of the SPC historical layout, role and influence made use of a scientific method that consisted of a systematic survey and a comparison analysis of data from 1) graphic images and maps; 2) historical documents; and 3) archeological findings. This method could provide enough data to elaborate on a conjectural model of the SPC that would be needed to visualize its architecture. Historical research evidences showed that the SPC had three major functions: a) as a religious center and university college (1594-1762); b) as a military facility (1789-1835); and c) as a tourist and archeological site (1970′s - present). The conclusions showed the influence of SPC in the architecture of other religious facilities as well in the external use of squares as a baroque space introductory to the sacred buildings. The SPC was important for the understanding of Macao Architecture.