Mount Fortress & Macao Museum
Fortaleza do Monte
A 17th-century Jesuit fortress beside the Ruins of St. Paul's, with old cannons lining its walls and the Macao Museum telling the four-century story of Chinese-Western exchange.
Mount Fortress was built between 1617 and 1626. In 1622 it repelled a Dutch fleet, making it one of Macau's oldest Western-style defensive works. From the platform, old cannons face the city, overlooking the Ruins of St. Paul's and the Grand Lisboa. It's a great spot for panoramas of the Macau Peninsula. The Macao Museum inside spans three floors, covering early Chinese-Western trade, Portuguese and Lingnan-style residential life, and traditional trades and festivals. The fortress itself is free to enter. Museum admission is about MOP 15, and it is closed on Mondays. Access is via the escalator or stone steps on the right side of the Ruins of St. Paul's.
Opening hours
Fort 07:00–19:00; museum Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Travessa da Paixão & Na Tcha Temple
- Ruins of St. Paul's
- St. Dominic's Church
- Lou Kau Mansion
- Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady (Sé Cathedral)
- Senado Square & Historic Centre of Macao
- Holy House of Mercy
- Leal Senado Building