Senado Square & Historic Centre of Macao

议事亭前地与澳门历史城区

A Portuguese-style plaza paved in black-and-white wave patterns, surrounded by the Leal Senado, the Holy House of Mercy and St. Dominic's Church; the starting point for strolling the World Heritage historic centre.

Senado Square is the heart of Macau's historic centre. Its ground is laid in Portuguese-style black-and-white stone mosaic waves, and the square is ringed by colourful neoclassical and southern European buildings: the Leal Senado (former city hall, where you can visit the courtyard and library), the Holy House of Mercy (a white Baroque building, home to a charity founded in 1569), St. Dominic's Church (yellow façade, free entry, with a treasury of relics) and the Three Streets Guild Hall. The classic walking routes from here are as follows. Heading north past St. Dominic's and Rua da Palha brings you to the Ruins of St. Paul's and Mount Fortress (about 10 minutes). Heading south past Monte Square (St. Augustine's Church, the Dom Pedro V Theatre and the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library), St. Lawrence's Church, the Mandarin's House and Lilau Square brings you to A-Ma Temple (about 30–40 minutes). Further east are the Lou Kau Mansion and the Cathedral. Along the way, the Portuguese stone pavements, street lamps, tiled street signs and arcades make Macau's most photogenic streetscapes. The area around the square is the densest cluster of souvenir and snack shops: pork chop buns, egg tarts, almond cookies and wood-flour pudding, plus old favourites like Wong Chi Kei congee and noodles. Admission is free. Allow half a day to a full day to wander at leisure. Notes: The streets around the square are narrow and crowded during holidays. Keep quiet inside churches, and avoid visiting during Mass.

Senado Square & Historic Centre of Macao

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