26th May 2024
This, perhaps, is my last post about #MyFirstMacaoTrip2023. Although I'll be going back to this place soon this year (crossfingers), that will be another series of Macao travel stories. In my recent Macao trip story, you had a glimpse of The Venetian, a grand and luxury resort that resembles the Venice Grand Canal in Italy. From Italy, let's go to Portugal! Well, not literally Portugal, but a place where you would feel like, you are strolling through a real Portuguese place.
This is Largo do Senado UNESCO World Heritage Site at day and night, also called Senate Square in English.
The square is situated in the heart of Macao, just a few walks from St. Paul's Ruins and Fortaleza do Monte. People are swarming around at day and night. It seems like a bustling hub for activities and gatherings for locals and tourists alike. The first thing I noticed upon stepping into this bustling hub was the buildings' captivating architecture. It has a blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences which reflect the city's rich heritage and historical significance. Different colors are captivating too.
This square is a historic and iconic place in Macao. Anyone who visits Macao would definitely visit Largo do Senado because it's a popular tourist destination, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aside from it, this square is lined with several shops, cafes, and restaurants, a perfect place to indulge in Macanese and international cuisines, or simply have a relaxing stroll around the historic square.
My boss was my tour guide and she introduced different historic sites around this square.
This building, for instance, is Leal Senado, the former Municipal chamber during the Portuguese colonial era. This now serves as a cultural landmark and government center in Macao. You can check the link to see the inside architecture of this historic site.
Another one is Santa Casa da Misericórdia also known as Holy House of Mercy in English. I was captivated by its neo-classical white facade and pillars. This building was built in 1569 on the order of the first bishop of Macao and serves as a medical clinic and other social welfare structures that operates until today.
At night...
On the opposite side is the Museum of the Holy House Of Mercy.
It's a bit awkward when your boss tells you to pose and take photos of you, lol.
Another significant structure in this square is Edificio Sede dos CTT also known as Macao Post Office which I initially thought was a church because of its structure. It's a massive 3-storey post office. And have you noticed the mosaic pavement of the square? The calcada portuguesa is made from black and white small stones in a wavy pattern which is another Macao Portuguese heritage symbol.
When night falls, the whole square is a stunning beauty to behold. The atmosphere is so vibrant and lively despite the time. People don't seem to rest. It is still crowded with locals and tourists of all ages immersing in the colonial atmosphere and admiring its architecture.
This square truly has a visually appealing atmosphere, and all spots are picture-perfect. Whether you come here for cultural exploration, food hunting, shopping, or simply strolling, you definitely will enjoy your tour around Largo do Senado.
Thanks for your time.
Jane is a Filipina wanderer in a foreign land who finds comfort in nature and freedom in writing. She loves watching raw picturesque landscapes, listening to the symphony of nature, breathing in drops of sunshine, walking through scenic trails and cityscapes, tasting new culinary flavors, capturing pretty little things, venturing into hidden gems, and dancing with the flow of life.
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