Learn about the history of Fortaleza do Monte, the oldest fort in Macau.
Fortaleza do Monte or Mount Fortress, the oldest fort in Macau, is a
military defense complex,
built by the Jesuits
in the early decades of the 1600s. It is part of the Historic Center of
Macau and is located near the Ruins of St. Paul’s.
Macau’s Fortaleza do Monte (Mount Fortress)
About Fortaleza do Monte
Mount Fortress was constructed principally to
defend the tiny Portuguese colony
against invaders from the sea, the most famous of which was the Dutch
invaders who were also unsuccessful in their attempt to conquer
Macau.
Perched atop Mount Hill, which 52 meters above sea level, one will have a good
360-degree of Macau from Mount Fortress. The view of the cityscape is
spectacular. If you can wait until dark at Mount Fortress, do so because the
city lights are amazing.
Things to see in Fortaleza do Monte
It's easy to explore Fortaleza do Monte or Mount Fortress because it is small.
You just need half a day to go around the fortress grounds. Be sure to wear
light and comfortable clothes though especially during the dry season because
it can get hot.
Here are some of the things that you can see at Mount Fortress:
1. Steel canons
The 8,000 square meter fortress is fortified with
steel cannons
and also features military barracks, wells, and an arsenal.
Visitors may also enjoy a stroll at a public park lined with trees, and a
visit to the observatory and the Macau Museum.
2. Macau Museum
The Macau Museum was built in 1998 within the confines of Fortaleza do
Monte. It consists of two underground levels and a third one above the
fortress’s top platform.
The Macau Museum is the biggest museum in Macau. What is unique about this
museum is that it showcases the diverse cultures that shaped the history,
customs, and traditions of Macau.
3. Old telescope
There is an old telescope at Fortaleza do Monte that is still usable, at
least during the time when we went here. You can use it if you want a larger
view of the city or a building in Macau.
4. Old bell
There is an old bell at Mount Fortress that you might also want to check.
It's the original alarm bell of the fortress, possibly used to warn people
of incoming invaders.
5. The garden
There is a garden in Fortaleza do Monte filled with trees and plants. You
can take a walk around it or sit on a bench to rest your feet for a short
time.
Epilogue
For Filipinos who have been to Intramuros, Fort Santiago, or any other old
Spanish forts around the Philippines, the feeling of walking around Mount
Fortress is similar – you get the same sense of deep history, and heritage
as you walk along with the jagged cobblestone floorings.
Similar stories
For similar stories about Macau, please read any of the following articles:
- Largo do Senado, Macau: Where Cultures Converge
- Pousada Marina Infante Hotel: Our First Night In Macau
- Macau, From A First-Timer's Perspective (A Travel Guide)
- The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel: A Breathtaking Escapade
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