Macau Fortress Travel Guide

Scenic spot introduction:

The Mount Fortress in Macau was originally the altar of St. Paul's Cathedral (the predecessor of the Ruins of St. Paul's). It was transformed into a military defense facility during the Ming Dynasty. It is the oldest surviving Western-style fort in China.

Attractions distribution:

The Macau Fortress is located on the top of Persimmon Hill (also known as Fort Hill) in the center of the Macau Peninsula. It is also known as St. Paul's Fortress, Central Fortress or Ruins of St. Paul's Fortress. The fort was built during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty (1617 AD). It was originally the altar of the Jesuit Ruins of St. Paul's Church (the predecessor of the Ruins of St. Paul's). In order to protect the Jesuit industries in Macau, the Macau Portuguese government later converted the Fortress into a military defense facility. It formed a solid outer military defense line with the A-Ma Fortress and the Guia Fortress to prevent pirates.
From 1623 to 1740, the Mount Fortress was the residence of the city defense commander and the Governor of Macau. This military restricted area was lifted in 1966 and opened to the public as a tourist attraction. The Mount Fortress was converted into the Macau Meteorological Bureau, which later moved to Taipa in 1996. The Mount Fortress was renovated in 1992, 1993 and 1996. The top floor of the Mount Fortress is now Monte Fortress Garden , with a 360-degree view of Macau; the middle floor is Macau Museum , showing the historical process of Macau; at the foot of the east mountain is Fortress Corridor , with European style and modern feel, and you can walk to the pedestrian area of Wangde Church along the corridor.

Scenic spot features:

Military, cultural tours, historical sites, museums