Lou Kau Mansion

Passed by the mansion many times, and also visited it for few times. But I never got the chance to listen for the general introduction provided by the tour guide.

This afternoon by the time we were in the mansion, F wanted to listen for the explanation, thus we waited about 15 minutes for the next session started.

There were a lot of history in the house, it was built in about 121 years ago, the design of the mansion combined the western and the oriental styles, as well as there were a lot of craft work and the application of physics theories.

F also told me that when she was small, she went to see her doctor who lived in this mansion too. That was her memory.

Over all, the lady Mr. Chau explained very well, and I think I learned more than the previous time. Interesting details of the mansion, she suggested to visit the Mandarin House too, and I think I will, I am just need to take some time to.




http://www.macau.com/index.php?option=com_attractions&Itemid=96&task=show_details&id=72



Lou Kau Mansion
Address
No.7, Travessa da Se
Opening Hours
09:00 to 17:00 Closed on Monday
Price
Free admission


Built in 1889, during the Qing dynasty, Lou Kau Mansion in Travessa da Se No.7, an alley off Senado Square was the former residence of the Lou Kau family until 1910. The grey two-storey brick house is one of the very few xinguan-style mansions still standing in Macau, and a prime example of the mixed Chinese and Western architectural styles unique to Macau. The oyster shell windows, hanging scrolls, plaster molding and brick carvings are commonly found in the central Guangdong Province. But false ceilings, stained glass Manzhou windows and cast iron railings are Western characteristics.

On the ground floor, there are two courtyards separating three main halls on the ground level, the Entrance Hall, Tea Hall and Senior Hall which is reserved for more senior members of the family. Despite the fact a lot of time and money was spent on workmanship, the Lou Kau Mansion actually fell into disrepair in the 1970s with up to 20 families living in it at one point in time. In July 2002, the Cultural Institute of the Macao SAR restored Lou Kau Mansion to its original glory and it is now open to the public with regular exhibitions of Chinese arts and free guided tours.

Lou Ka, a businessman made a fortune through his money exchange business Bou Hong Bank, was heavily involved in philanthropy, launching schools, rebuilding ancestral temples and selling rice to the public at a low prices. He was knighted by the King of Portugal in 1890 and also has a street in Macau – Lou Kau Street – named after him.