Senado Square

Welcome to Senado Square, or Largo do Senado, the vibrant and beating heart of the historic center of Macau. As you stand here, you are in a space that has been the civic and social center of the city for centuries. …

Let us begin by looking down at the pavement. This style of mosaic, known as 'calcada portuguesa,' is a traditional craft brought to Macau from Portugal in the 1990s as a way to enhance the city's Mediterranean character. …

Directly facing the square is the Leal Senado building, now the headquarters of the Municipal Affairs Bureau. Built in 1784, it is one of the most historically significant structures in Macau. …

On the eastern side of the square stands the gleaming white facade of the Holy House of Mercy, or Santa Casa da Misericordia. Established in 1569 by the first Bishop of Macau, this institution is one of the oldest charitable…

At the northern end of the square, where it narrows into the pedestrian shopping streets, stands the magnificent St. Dominic’s Church. …

Just across from the Leal Senado at the southern entrance of the square stands the General Post Office, an imposing three-story building completed in 1929. Designed by the local architect José Chan, it is a fine example of the…

At the very center of the square is the large, circular fountain, which serves as the primary meeting point for both locals and tourists. The fountain itself is relatively modern, but it occupies a space that has always been the…

As we conclude our journey through Senado Square, I hope you have gained a deeper appreciation for this extraordinary public space. We have walked over the wave-patterned calcada, explored the administrative halls of the Leal…