Moon Chun Memorial College (MCMC) organised a cultural excursion for members of St Paul’s House to rediscover Pátio do Espinho, better known as Macau’s ancient ‘Walled City of Thorns’ with a history dating back nearly four centuries.

Mr Ip Tat, president of the Na Tcha Temple Association, welcomed the college members at the gateway of the former locale where Japanese Catholics congregated and resided. According to Mr Ip, during the 17th century, Pátio do Espinho was known as Hing Seng Lane. It was a safe haven for the fleeing Japanese Catholics (in fear of persecution in Japan) who chose to settle in Macao. They planted potatoes within the city walls, hence the name Chi Lam Wai, which means ‘Potato Field Lane’. He added that the restoration of the Church of Saint Paul was completed for the third time with the help of many Japanese hired by the Society of Jesus. However, in 1835 fire ravaged the church, leaving behind its facade and a few retaining walls. This forced the Japanese living in Pátio do Espinho to move away.

Pátio do Espinho is the only existing walled village in Macao, and it has been included on the list of the Cultural Heritage of Macao by the government. It is considered an integral element of the tourism area of the Ruins of Saint Paul.