St. Lawrence's Church

St Lawrence's was founded by Jesuits in the sixteenth century and rebuilt several times, the present building dating largely from the 1840s, and it stands above the southern harbour behind a walled garden and a flight of steps. Its Chinese name means the church of the wind, from the practice of families gathering here to watch for the return of ships and to pray for favourable winds. The interior is barrel-vaulted with crystal chandeliers. The garden in front is one of the few pieces of enclosed green space left in this part of the old town, and the gates onto the street are locked outside opening hours.

What you actually see

• The garden and steps - the walled approach rising from the street.
• The barrel vault - the interior with its crystal chandeliers.
• The wind association - the Chinese name from families watching for returning ships.
• The neoclassical facade - the 1840s front in yellow and white.

When to go

October to December is dry and cool. The church keeps daytime hours. Services restrict visiting.

Honest expectations

The church is sometimes closed outside service hours. Half an hour covers it. The surrounding streets are steep.

Nearby

St Joseph's Seminary is nearby, and Lilau Square is south.