S. Francisco Garden, Public garden in Sé, Macau, China
S. Francisco Garden is a multi-level park in Sé featuring an octagonal Chinese pavilion, stone railings, and staircases that connect the terraced sections. The lower section contains a public library housed within the pavilion, providing reading materials for both residents and visitors.
The garden's site originated in 1580 when Castilian Franciscan friars established a convent, which Portuguese friars took over in 1585. This transition marked a key moment in the region's religious history and shaped how the site developed thereafter.
The garden's name honors the Castilian Franciscan friars who founded it, a connection preserved in the Cantonese name Ka-Si-Lán-Fa-Yun meaning Garden of the Castilians. Visitors can experience this religious heritage through the architecture and devotional elements scattered throughout the grounds.
The garden is accessible from multiple entrances, and the staircases between levels allow visitors to move easily through the different sections. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are more comfortable and the space feels less crowded.
A Portuguese military tower on the upper level commemorates World War I heroes and stands near a former military barracks site. This tower is often overlooked but offers important insight into Macau's more recent military past.
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