[PLACE] 20141224 Monte Fort 大炮台 @ Macau

18:00 5-Star Attraction , Attraction , Cannon , Fort , Fortress , Guide , Heritage , Historical , Macau , Monte Fort , Ruins , Ruins of St Paul's , Travel 0 Comments

Monte Fort (Fortaleza do Monte), or known as Mount Fortress, is a military fortress built by the Portuguese colony during the 17th century to fend off intruders. The fort is built on the hill top with solid walls up to 9 meters, overseeing the Macau peninsular.

The fort is fortified with heavy artillery and cannons but was only fired once during the Dutch invasion in 1622 and never since.

Currently the Monte Fort has become a popular attraction in Macau with the Museum of Macau located right on top. Visitors can have a panoramic view of Macau Peninsular on top of the fort.

TO GO

The Monte Fort is located next to the Ruins of St Paul's, near to Senado Square. Visitors usually arrives at Senado Square first before continue to Ruins of St Paul's and then to the fort. 

Bus Stop nearby Monte Fort: Bus No. 7, 7A, 8, 17

Alternatively, visitors can opt for the free shuttle bus provided by the casinos nearby. The nearest casino will be the famous Grand Lisboa. The Senado Square is just about 5 minutes walking distance away from the Grand Lisboa.

Bus Stop nearby Senado Sqaure: Bus No. Bus No. 3, 4, 6 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A.

ATTRACTION

Monte Fort is similar to our A' Famosa, which is also a fortress on hill. Located just next to the Ruins of St Paul's. It requires some more climb of the stone steps up hill to reach the top of the fortress. So make sure you wear the appropriate footwear.

Soon you will reach the entrance of the fortress where the cannons are all located, behind the tall and solid stone walls.

The entrance of the fortress, leading to the garden and platform on top.

Rows and rows of defunct cannons, fortifying the fortress in the older days, fending off any potential intruders.

a few of it actually aligns facing the Grand Lisboa casino from afar. Makes you feel like lighting the fuse somehow (just kidding).

From here, you get a high vantage point of the city of Macau. The peninsular is where the majority of the population resides. Despite the run down condition, these apartments can actually cost as much as those in the Hong Kong counterpart due to the lack of land.

The reflection pool surrounding the Museum of Macau.

The building, and the entrance of Museum of Macau.

Somewhere around the the museum there's an entrance down to a small dungeon where some of the remains of the fortress are exhibited.

The fortress has much more to see than the Ruins of St Paul's as you have the whole view of the peninsular from atop and also the remains of the fortress.

SUMMARY

Monte Fort is a detour from the famous Ruins of St Paul's but has much more to offer than the later. The hilltop also offers an overview of the Macau peninsular and is a good photo spot with urban landscape and seaview. The Grand Lisboa casion building is also clearly seen from here.

Attraction	☆☆☆☆☆ good vantage point, historical site
Cleanliness	☆☆☆☆
Entrance Fee	Free
Opening Hours	Daily
Wifi	N/A
Parking	N/A
Website	N/A

GPS: 22.196847, 113.542384