The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known as ‘The Grand Hall’, is a part of the Historic Centre of Macau. It has been a mandatory visit for successive governors of Macau upon taking office, symbolizing divine power. Over the past 400 years, the cathedral has undergone numerous renovations and reconstructions amidst trials and tribulations. The current majestic and splendid building, constructed in 1937, has also nearly a century of history. This grey exterior trinity earth building is rich in Spanish religious colors, with an external atmosphere that is grand, stable, and elegant. The interior is exquisitely decorated and once housed many Catholic relics and historical sites. The church can be divided into two main parts: the central part is the church’s main body, where one can feel a solemn and sacred atmosphere. At the entrance, there is a wooden Portuguese screen, and the plain walls are decorated with simplicity. Both side walls have high windows, with stained glass windows embedded, rich in religious artistic atmosphere. If you happen to be there on a Sunday, you can attend a Mass. In front of the church, there is a small square paved with black and white Portuguese-style cobblestones, and a characteristic small fountain in the square, creating an elegant and peaceful scenic spot. Another part of the church is the bell tower on the side. The large bell, made in the UK, was made to commemorate the ascension of King Peter V of Portugal. Nowadays, whenever there are important masses, grand ceremonies, pilgrimages, or weddings in Macau, the bell tower will ring to inform the local people. The opening hours are all year round from 07:30 to 20:00.
