Senate Square

Facing the IACM is a spacious square, paved in a wave pattern of mosaic tiles. Close to all but essential traffic, it is popular rendezvous, with benches, potted shrubs and a fountain in the shape of an armillary sphere. The surrounding buildings, all recently renovated and redecorated, include the tourism office, the general post office and the Holy House of Mercy (Santa Casa da Misericórdia), the oldest Christian charity on the Asian mainland. During chinese New Year, the Asian Arts Festival and other occasions a stage is set up in the square for various performances.