Macau (Macao) — Fortaleza do Monte 大炮台, Macau (Macao)

Time to visit a fort

September 2016

As I wandered around Macau (Macao), I came across the Fortaleza do Monte 大炮台. And as I can never resist looking around a fort, I went in.

The fort is located at the highest point in Macau (Macao) and has excellent views around the surrounding area. You can see why they built a fort at this location.

Photo by Author — the view from Fortaleza do Monte 大炮台, Macau (Macao)

Photo by Author — the view from Fortaleza do Monte 大炮台, Macau (Macao)

The Jesuits built the fort between 1617 and 1626 to defend the city and the nearby St. Paul’s College. It has an impressive structure with thick walls and many gun emplacements. The fort has seen action, including fighting off pirate raids and invasions, such as the Dutch invasion of 1622.

Photo by Author — canon at Fortaleza do Monte 大炮台, Macau (Macao)

Photo by Author — Fortaleza do Monte 大炮台, Macau (Macao)