"Pátio"，"Beco" and Cultural Inheritance

“Pátio” (or patio in English) and “beco” (alley) usually do not exceed 3 metres. Both of them have similar spatial characteristics and the main difference is that a “pátio” usually has only one entrance, while a “beco” is a longer alley with entrances at both ends. Nevertheless, there are some special cases where the use of names and definition of the spaces are ambiguous, and in some records, “pátio” and “beco” are even used to name the same street at the same time.

The unique social fabrics of “pátios” and “becos” have given rise to self-sufficient communities where the elements of memorial arches, verandas, lands and water well culture can always be found at porches and walkways. The existing “pátios” and “becos” are mainly located on the southern and northern side of Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and there are only around 20 of them that house buildings with historical value. Among them, Pátio da Eterna Felicidade has retained its layout and ancient buildings in a relatively intact status. The unique old green brick houses in the area are of the type that is commonly inhabited by Chinese residents in the early days of Macao. They were leased out by charity groups to the people in need at low rent, providing accommodation for the poor in the society.