Monte Fort

Covering an area of 2,000 square meters, Monte Fort is located east of the Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral. It was built from 1617 to 1626 during the Ming Dynasty (1368- A.D.-1644 A.D.) and played an important role in resisting Dutch invaders. In 2005 it was enlisted on the World Heritage List.

The main features of Monte Fort

Monte Fort functioned as the city’s defense headquarters and the Macau governor’s mansion before 1740, and has been a prohibited military zone since then. It is in the shape of an irregular square with 100-meter long side lengths, built on 3.7-meter thick granite, and is 10 meters high and 90 meters wide.

With the main gate facing southeast, there is one bastion in each corner of the fort, and 32 cannons can be placed on Monte Fort simultaneously to prevent attacks from the west and east directions. It was thus the defense center during war times in Macau. The reservoir and ammunition depot are well equipped inside Monte Fort as well as the barracks, which can provide 2 years military supplies for officers and soldiers. As well, precious stone inscriptions are well-preserved in the northeast corner of the fort.

Macau Museum, which displays the lifestyle and history of Macau of the past 200 years, has 3 stories and stands on Monte Fort. The corridor at the foot of the mountain conveniently connects Monet Fort and Macau Museum, which is built in a western style.

The top of Monte Fort functions as a garden today, filled with ancient trees, and from which you can find a breathtaking panoramic view of Macau.

Travel tips:

Address: in the east of Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral, Macau
Bus routes: 10, 10A, 11, 21A, 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 26A, 33, 17, 18, 8A and 26
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm from May to September, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm from October to April every day