Baucau Old Town
Baucau
Baucau Old Town is renowned for its historic Municipal Market, a Portuguese colonial-style building constructed in the early 1930s. Initiated by Lieutenant Armando Eduardo Pinto Correia, the market was part of a grand plan to develop public infrastructure in Baucau district. The building's French-influenced design features a large covered courtyard, semi-circular galleries with colonnades and architraves, and two towers connected by arched corridors. Despite partial destruction during World War II and again after the 1999 independence referendum, the market was restored by 2014 and repurposed as a cultural centre hosting exhibitions, shows, and a library. Its architecture is notable for its elegance and lightness, including a triumphal central portal crowned with the Portuguese coat of arms. This blend of European pavilion style and local context makes Baucau Old Town a unique historical and cultural landmark in East Timor.
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Consejo: Visit during the dry season for pleasant weather and easier access. Booking tickets is generally not required as the site is open to the public. Check local event schedules for cultural shows and exhibitions hosted at the market. Discounts may be available for students or groups during special events. Early morning visits allow for quieter exploration before crowds arrive.
Datos interesantes
- •The building's design is influenced by French European fair and exhibition pavilions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- •The market features a triumphal central portal adorned with the Portuguese coat of arms, symbolizing its colonial origins.
- •Originally, the building had a portal, pediment, and columns on its lower level that were later removed, altering its original composition.
- •After restoration, the building's white exterior was repainted in yellow and blue hues with pink roofs, enhancing its visual appeal.
Historia
The Municipal Market of Baucau was constructed between 1928 and 1932 under the direction of Lieutenant Armando Eduardo Pinto Correia.
It was partially destroyed during World War II and remained unrepaired until after 1970.
The market suffered further damage during the 1999 East Timorese independence referendum when Indonesian forces destroyed it.
After years of neglect, restoration efforts began in 2009 and were completed in 2014, transforming the building into a cultural centre that preserves its colonial architectural heritage while serving contemporary community needs.
Guía del lugar
Central Courtyard1932
A large covered courtyard that serves as the heart of the building, originally designed as an open space for market activities and now used for cultural events.
Semi-circular Gallery and Towers1932
The southern side features a semi-circular gallery with colonnades and architraves, ending in two towers at the northeastern and northwestern corners, linked by arched corridors on the northern side.
Triumphal Central Portal1932
Located at the front landing, this portal is crowned with a rectangular pediment decorated with the Portuguese coat of arms and flanked by columns and lateral arches.
Contacto
Teléfono: 7645 6748