Strolling in Macau: Senado Square, St. Dominic's Church, Ruins of St. Paul's, Museu de Macau

Senado Square, Macau

Senado Square is in the heart of Macau and is among the busiest, if not the busiest part of Macau. Surrounding it are the Leal Senado (center of Macau's government during Portuguese colonization now serving as the headquarter of the Institute of Civic and Municipal Affairs), the General Post Office, and St. Dominic's Church, which all had their contribution in giving a classic Portuguese feel in this quaint part of Macau. It's a no-brainer. Macau was a long-time colony of Portugal, after all.

with the fountain in honor of Portuguese maritime history

I love the pink building!

St. Dominic's Church was established in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests. Less than three centuries later, St. Dominic's Church served as the site of the publication of the first Portuguese newspaper in Macau.

St. Dominic's Church on the background

inside St. Dominic's Church

Just stroll and explore the place and you will encounter various stores selling souvenirs and delicacies, there are even some offering free taste. I tell you, it is one busy place.

Stroll some more and you will eventually find the Ruins of St. Paul's. This is one of the most famous, if not the most famous landmark of Macau. Go there and discover for yourself how famous it is. I have been there  twice, and in both occasions, huge crowds of tourists are there, whiling their time in the 66 stone steps leading to the facade. The windows of this grand facade can  be climbed from the rear via an improvised steel staircase.

at the base of the 66 steps of Ruins of St. Paul's, see the tour group with their class picture being taken

climbed the rear of Ruins of St. Paul's

Senado Square, St. Dominic's Church, and Ruins of St. Paul's are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Historic Centre of Macau.

But our strolling does not end here! Explore some more and somewhere near the Ruins of St. Pauls, you will see Museu de Macau silently perched. Expect a bit of hiking if the escalator is not working, because Museu de Macau is located on the hill of Fortaleza do Monte. Due to time constraint, we did not enter so the stuff inside remains a mystery to me, but its exteriors alone are photo-worthy.

Museu de Macau

escalator heading to Museu de Macau's top floor

a pretty park on Museu de Macau

This served as a former fortress.

wandering...

Meet my new found friend.

With our super reliable guide for the day.

I love Museu de Macau's facade.

last photo before we leave

But wait, there's more! We toured Macau strolling! See our next stop: What's Inside Casino Lisboa in Macau?



Other posts in this Hong Kong-Macau series:

Yes, You Can Enjoy Macau for Free
New Yaohan's Food Court and the Emperor Hotel Macau
What’s Inside Casino Lisboa in Macau?
I was in (Wonderland) MGM Macau!
The Tear-jerky Wynn Macau Experience
Finding the Dragon’s Treasure in Macau’s City of Dreams
Ended the Day in (Venice) Venetian Macao
Ngong Ping 360: My First Cable Car Ride (and the Longest)
My Second Time in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort!
Ended a Jam-packed Day at The Peak
My Love Affair with Hong Kong Ocean Park
Rushing to the Avenue of Stars and A Symphony of Lights
DIY Hong Kong and Macau Trip: Tips on How to Ace It
20,000 Pesos 4 Days, 3 Nights DIY Hong Kong-Macau Travel Guide