Senado Square

In the heart of the Chinese city of Macau is Senado Square. From the time of Portuguese rule to the present day, the square has been the center of public life and venue for events. The square is an open pedestrian area with fountains, carefully planted trees, benches and recreation areas. Around the square stretches the historical part of the city with the main attractions and municipal buildings.

On one side of Senado Square is the Bureau of Civil and Municipal Affairs, formerly known as the Senate. Opposite it is the Holy House of Mercy, built in the XVI century. It is the oldest and still operating charitable institution in China. At the far end of the square is the Church of St. Dominic, an example of the influence of European architectural tradition. The church is built in the Baroque style and is famous for its altar and historical museum, which is located in the old church tower. The bridge square itself is lined with a wavy pattern, which thus points the way to the ruins of St. Paul’s Church.