Mount Fortress - Fortaleza do Monte, Macao

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Mount Fortress, built in 1617-26, occupies a hilltop to the east of St. Paul' s ruins, and at easy walking distance from it. It was constructed by the Jesuits as part of a complex which also included the college and church of St. Paul' s.

The canons were used only once, when the Dutch invaded Macau in 1622. This was also the first residence of the governors of Macau.

Over the following decades trees grew from the platform of the fort, which was transformed into a public park where residents and visitors came to enjoy the views. The only building was an office of the Meteorological Department until 1998 when the three-level Macau Museum, focusing on the history of Macau, was built into the fortress hill.

The Mount Fortress or Fortaleza do Monte was built in 1626 by the Jesuits. In 1622, while the fort was still under construction, a Dutch attack on Macau was defeated by the churchmen under the leadership of Adam Schell von Bell and Jerónimo Rio. The fort subsequently became the governor's residence, a role it performed until 1749. In 1965 it was converted into a weather station and was later opened to the public. It now houses the three-story Macau History Museum, opened in 1998.

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Also in the historic centre of Macau, the 17th century monument offers stunning panoramics of the city. Climb on up the tower of stairs and you'l be greeted at the top with locals just hanging about talking with friends and family enjoying the view.

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Mount Fortress, built in 1617-26, occupies a hilltop to the east of the ruins of St. Paul′ s. It was constructed by the Jesuits as part of a complex which also included the college and church of St. Paul′ s. The canons were used only once, when the Dutch invaded Macau in 1622. This was also the first residence of the governors of Macau. Over the following decades trees grew from the platform of the fort, which was transformed into a public park where residents and visitors came to enjoy the views. The only building was an office of the Meteorological Department until 1998 when the three-level Macau Museum, focusing on the history of Macau, was built into the fortress hill.

Excerpt from Macau Tourism Office at http://www.macautourism.com.mo.

This area gives you a general view of the entire Macau peninsular without forking money in going up the Macau Tower.

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Next to Sao Paolo, but quite a steep climb is the Fortaleza do Monte. A 16th century construction that was part of the original Jesuist complex of Sao Paolo. It only saw action once, but saved the day from the invading Dutch (the story goes that it was only by accident that the Dutch were defeated). The ramparts are well preserved/renovated and you get excellent views over the whole of the peninsula.

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm

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In many ways as much a façade as the nearby church of Sao Paolo, the Fortaleza do Monte is equally worth visiting if for nothing more than the outstanding views of the city it provides.