Moorish Barracks

Opening hours

Verandah: 9am - 6pm

Introduction

Built in 1874 on the slope of Barra Hill, this building was constructed to accommodate an Indian regiment from Goa appointed to reinforce Macao’s police force. This building is a clear reminder of Macao’s close links with Goa and their rank as sister cities in Portuguese history.

The Moorish Barracks is a brick and stone neo-classical structure with Mughal influences standing on a raised granite platform above the street. To the rear the construction has two floors, while the rest of the building is only one storey high. Spacious 4-metre-wide verandas with pointed arches run along all sides of the building except that facing Barra Hill. They enhance the surrounding views in what is also a perfect response to the local climate. The three-tier decorations in between the arches and the arrangement of the square and pointed ornaments on the parapet walls resemble mosaics and have a beautiful, subtle rhythm. The building is painted light yellow, with most of the details picked out in white. The huge granite-bearing wall below contrasts with the light painted plaster walls above in texture and colour.