Largo Do Senado

Largo Do Senado, also known as Senado Square is the main square in Macau and often the starting point for many of the city's visitors. It is unmistakable as the ground is paved in a traditional Portuguese style mosaic of black waves and a fountain sits in the center.

One of the buildings surrounding the square, the Leal Senado, is the source of its name. Built in 1784, it was the seat of Macau's government during Portugal's colonial rule. Outside on the square was where the governors inspected military troops and the police force during their inaugurations. When Portugal returned Macau to China in 1999 it became the Institute of Civic and Municipal Affairs.

Other buildings on the square are the General Post Office and St. Dominic's Church. Due to its importance as a historic place of Chinese and western cultures meeting, the square is on the World Heritage List, as are many of its surrounding buildings.

Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro is the main road in Macau's Historic Center and goes through the square. On this road and the others around, you can find shops, restaurants and stalls both modern and traditional to browse through and eat in. Local snacks and world cuisines are all available as well as the latest modern fashion. Festivals from the area's mix of cultures are held on the square at different times of year such as Christmas and Chinese New Year.

One of Macau's biggest attractions, the Ruins of St. Paul's Church is beside the square as well as many other sights in this multicultural influenced center.