The Holy House of Mercy was originally established by the first Bishop of Macao, Dom Belchior Carneiro, in 1569. The building was constructed around mid 18th century, acquiring its present appearance, which is essentially neo-classical with traces of mannerist influence, in 1905. This institution was modelled after one of the most prominent and oldest charitable organizations in Portugal, and was responsible for founding in Macao the first western-style hospital, a lepers clinic, an orphanage and several other social welfare structures that still function to this day. One of the principal roles of Macao’s Holy House of Mercy was to provide support for orphans and widows of sailors who died at sea, a role that is intimately linked to Macao’s profile in the context of the principal regional and international maritime trading routes.