Saint Raphael’s Hospital

Macao, Macau, China

Equipment and Infrastructures

Classified as a building of architectural interest, Saint Raphael’s was the first western hospital in China and testifies to the transformations in Macau with its ever-increasing westernisation. It has undergone several alterations throughout the centuries.
Founded in 1569 by Bishop Belchior Carneiro within the scope of action of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia charity institution, the local population called it I Yan Miu, or the Temple of Cures. The vaccination programmes against smallpox were carried out from this hospital. It was the object of several interventions, adaptations and enlargements. The present building is the result of renovations made in 1939. It is a big building laid out in a U with towers at each point and a laid-back central body that has verandas all round its three floors. It has a central symmetrical axis that has a wider veranda and is crowned by a pediment. The towers have a massive aspect. It windows have outside shutters and fanlights above the lintel to allow the permanent circulation of air.
Closed as a hospital, it was adapted in 1988 to be the head office of the Macau Monetary and Exchange Authority, but it maintained its cloister typology and the original wide corridors. It is today the Portuguese Consulate General.

• Ana Tostões