Introduction

Senado Square is a public square in Macau that is situated in the central area of the Macau Peninsula. The square covers an area of 3,700 square meters making it one of the other largest squares in Macau comparing with squares such as  Praça do Lago Sai Van, Praça do Centro Cultural and Praça do Tap Seac. The square is triangle shaped with St. Dominic's Church located at the apex and San Ma Lo located at the base. In 2005 it was UNESCO listed as a World Heritage site making it part of the Historic Centre of Macau.

The square’s name came about due to the building where it is located near which is the Leal Senado Building existing since 1368. The square was face-lifted in the early nineties by Portuguese experts hired by the authority in power at that time. They were able to pave the square with colored stones in a wave mosaic pattern and ever since then the square became a favorite pass time location amongst locals and tourists.

Back in the ancient times, the Portuguese local authorities used these grounds as the inauguration centers of fresh troops. A statue of Mesquita; a Portuguese soldier was set up in the square. He used to sentence Chinese soldiers to death during hostilities in the era of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Locals destroyed his statue and replaced it with a fountain and that is why the square is called the fountain.

Things to see and do on a visit

Visitors find a heaven on this square with plenty of activities to do like shopping for outfits, watching traditional dances like dragon and lion dances held on special occasions like Christmas and the Lunar New Year and shopping for Chinese herbal medicine in stores. Visitors can also taste authentic Chinese dishes and snacks at the many Chinese restaurants found in the square.

Visitors can get to experience the local culture and learn about the history at the square because the square has become a center for cultural activities in Macau and is home to dozens of historical footprints in its architecture. The buildings hold some much historic value with their western characteristics and are even protected by the local authorities to continue preserving their heritage.