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Ten must-visit attractions in Macao

Senado Square: one of the four largest squares in Macao

Updated: Dec 19, 2019 govt.chinadaily.com.cn Print
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Senado Square
议事亭前地

Senado Square (Largo do Senado) is a public square in Macao. It is located in the central area of the Macao Peninsula.

Covering an area of 3,700 square meters, this is one of the four largest squares in Macao; the others being Praça do Centro Cultural, Praça do Lago Sai Van and Praça do Tap Seac. [Photo/VCG]

In 2005 it was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List as it forms part of the Historic Center of Macao.

The square is so named as since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) it has been in front of the Leal Senado Building. During the era of Portuguese control this is where the local authorities used to review the troops on their inaugurations.

In 1940, there was a statue of a Portuguese soldier named Mesquita in its center. He was responsible for the deaths of many Chinese soldiers during the hostilities with the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Understandably, the statue has been destroyed by Chinese people and replaced by a fountain; this is why the square is also called "the Fountain".

In the early 1990s, the authority hired some Portuguese experts to pave the square with a wave-patterned mosaic of colored stones. From then on this area has been a popular place for cultural activities in Macao.

The buildings around the Senado Square have a long history and have many western features, so they have been well protected by the authorities and no one is allowed to alter the façades of these buildings. [Photo/VCG]
There are shopping centers and traditional Chinese restaurants around the Senado Square. Fashion, famous snacks and the scenic environment makeit a famous attraction. [Photo/VCG]

Firework displays and lion and dragon dances are usually held on special days such as the Chinese New Year and Christmas, drawing large crowds.

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