Residential Architecture at Pátio das Seis Casas

There is a row of history-laden Chinese architectural complexes composed of alleyways and patios spanning from Rua do Padre António to Rua da Praia do Manduco. This type of complex is usually made up of several low-rise buildings, each of which having doorways opening to alleyways that lead to a pátio that altogether forms a small community on its own. The complex has open courtyards and alleyways in between buildings that serve as public buffer zones. So far, the extant buildings are tile-roofed 2-storey structures constructed with grey bricks and wood.

George Smirnoff and his family used to live on the 1st floor of one of these buildings in Pátio das Seis Casas after they fled from Hong Kong during the War of Resistance against Japan. Though living in humble conditions, it was an unforgettable experience for them. When the family became better off, they just moved to a building at no. 2 of Rua da Prata, which was very close to Pátio das Seis Casas and was one of the many subject matters depicted by George Smirnoff in his paintings. The new house was within walking distance to the St. Luiz Gonzaga College where he was teaching and to his studio nearby the St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church.