This square, where the statue of the island's discoverer and the city gates (Portas da Cidade - 18th century), formed of three arches surrounded by basalt, rise, is extended by the largo da Matriz, another esplanade dominated by the high façade of the church of São Sebastião. The dense maze of streets in the historic centre, lined with restaurants and shops, radiates out from this double square, which is enlivened by the ever-crowded terrace of the Café Central.