Overview

Jardim de S. Francisco, also known as St. Francis Garden, is Macao's oldest garden. It was originally the site of the St. Francis Monastery, founded by Spanish Franciscan friars in 1580. The garden's Chinese name, 加思欄, is a transliteration of "Castilian," meaning "Garden of the Castilians." It has evolved from a private retreat for the elite to a beloved public green space in the heart of the city.

Key Information

• Address: Avenida da Praia Grande / Rua Nova à Guia, Macao
• Area: Approximately 6,000 square meters
• Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
• Admission: Free
• Contact: +853 2833 7676
• Transport: Public Bus Information Station

Facilities

• Children's playground
• Fitness equipment
• Public toilets
• Small public reading library (in the Chinese-style octagonal pavilion)
• Three-nozzle fountain
• Circular tower (now the Macao Association of the Disabled)

Historical Highlights

• 1580: Site of the original St. Francis Monastery.
• 1834: The Portuguese government took over the land after the dissolution of religious orders.
• 1861: The monastery was demolished to build the São Francisco Barracks, and the green area became a public garden, designed and supervised by Matias Soares.
• 1870: The iconic Army Club was built adjacent to the garden.
• 1920s–1930s: Land reclamation and road construction reduced the garden's size, and the music pavilion was dismantled.
• Present Day: The garden features a historic octagonal pavilion that now serves as a library managed by the Macao Chamber of Commerce.

Features

• The garden is built on three terraced levels.
• Home to many ancient trees, including notable "tree kings"—a carambola and a mango tree.
• Offers a quiet green oasis amidst the urban landscape, with pathways leading to Rua Nova à Guia.
• The site preserves historical layers from its monastic origins to its military and social roles.