Senado Square (Largo do Senado) is not just the geographical center of old Macau but its historical "kilometer zero" and a recognizable landmark outside the gaming zone. This square, paved with elegant black-and-white wavy mosaic, is the epicenter of tourist life and the perfect starting point for exploring Macau`s heritage, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
History and Formation of the Architectural Appearance of Senado Square
The historical core of the square began to form in the 16th–17th centuries, shortly after the establishment of the Portuguese settlement in Macau. It became the administrative, religious, and commercial center of the colony.
Name: The square owes its name to the Leal Senado (Loyal Senate) building, constructed in 1784 to house the Municipal Council — the highest self-governing body of Portuguese Macau. This emphasized its status as a center of power.
Heyday and Canonical Appearance: However, the square acquired its unique and cohesive architectural appearance later, in the late 19th to early 20th century. It was during this period that the surrounding buildings, constructed in different eras, were rebuilt or restored in a unified style. The dominant style became Neoclassicism with strong influences from Portuguese and Mediterranean architecture.
Key Style Features:
• Façades in pastel tones: yellow, pink, green, terracotta.
• Tall arched windows with carved frames.
• Wrought-iron balconies and railings.
• Tiled roofs.
• An abundance of stucco and decorative elements.
The square`s present-day appearance is the result of a large-scale and careful restoration completed in the 1990s, which returned the buildings to their historical color schemes and details, after which the Historic Centre of Macau was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list (2005).
Main Buildings on Senado Square in Macau
The square is framed by an ensemble of historic buildings:
Leal Senado Building (1784): The former seat of the Senate, now the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM). Its strict yet elegant white façade with granite trim symbolizes law and order. Inside, it`s worth seeing the "Sala das Armas" (Armory Hall) with rare panels of azulejo tiles.
Holy House of Mercy (Santa Casa da Misericórdia): One of the oldest charitable institutions in Asia (founded in 1569). The current Neoclassical building dates from 1905. Its snow-white façade with pilasters and a pediment is one of the most photogenic. The ground floor houses a museum telling the history of charity in Macau.
General Post Office Building (Edifício dos Correios): Occupies an important place on the square. Its recognizable façade in light green tones is an example of early 20th-century architecture.
St. Dominic`s Church (São Domingos Church, late 16th century): Although it stands slightly apart, its bright yellow Baroque façade is an integral part of the square`s vista. It is one of the city`s most richly decorated churches.
What a Tourist Must Do: A Guide for Attentive Exploration
To truly feel the square, not just walk through it, pay attention to the details:
• Look Down: Study the famous black-and-white wavy mosaic pavement. This style, brought by the Portuguese, symbolizes the sea and is a work of art in itself.
• Find the "Center": In the middle of the square stands a fountain-stele — a modern art object that has become a popular meeting spot. A Christmas tree is installed here in winter.
• Look Up: Examine the details of the façades — wrought-iron lanterns, stucco coats of arms, multi-colored shutters. The façade of the Holy House of Mercy is especially good for this.
• Look Inside: Be sure to step into St. Dominic`s Church to see its lavish Baroque interior and visit the small Museum of Sacred Art at the back. Also, step into the lobby of the Leal Senado or the Santa Casa museum.
• Try Local Cuisine: On the neighboring streets (especially on Rua da Felicidade — "Street of Happiness"), find old shops with local sweets (minchi pastries, egg tarts) and sample Portuguese cuisine.
• Come in the Evening: After dark, the square and its façades are beautifully illuminated, creating a completely romantic atmosphere.
Senado Square — а Must-Visit in Macau
Senado Square (Senado Square) in Macau is the main starting point for any traveler. All pedestrian routes to UNESCO sites — to the Ruins of St. Paul`s, the Fortress, and other churches — begin from here. Here you can take the best atmospheric photographs of old Macau, feel the unique cultural blend, and enjoy the city`s energy.
