Toko Lay, Commercial building in central Dili, Timor-Leste
The four-story building features a stone facade, high ceilings, and operates as a hardware store on Rua 25 de Abril in Suco Colmera.
During the Indonesian invasion of December 1975, the building served as a shelter for over 100 Chinese residents seeking protection from escalating violence.
The Lay family, originating from Guangdong province in China, established this structure in 1959 during the Portuguese colonial period in East Timor.
The store sells plumbing supplies and hardware materials from Monday through Saturday between 08:00 and 17:00, remaining closed on Sundays.
The building bears witness to significant historical events, including the 1975 Indonesian invasion and the post-referendum conflicts of 1999.
Location: Dili
Official opening: 1959
GPS coordinates: -8.55450,125.57697
Latest update: March 13, 2025 12:31
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