Fortress of Fortaleza do Monte

Fortaleza do Monte or Fortress of Our Lady is located in the Chinese city of Macau, which was a Portuguese colony between 1617 and 1626. The fortress had an important strategic purpose, being the main outpost that deterred the attempts of the Dutch invasion of Macau in 1622. In addition, the fortress, built by the Jesuits, was to protect the nearby St. Paul's Cathedral from pirate raids. The church was destroyed, and from the fortress walls today offers a beautiful view of its ruins.

The fortress is built on the top of a hill, from where the necessary view in all directions opens, allowing you to observe the whole city. The Fortress of Our Lady is built in the form of an irregular trapezoid that completely covers the top of the hill. Previously, it was equipped with cannons around the perimeter, and inside was an arsenal, military barracks and a constant supply of ammunition in case of any unforeseen situation. In the event of a siege, the fortress could maintain an autonomous existence for two years.

The best way to see the whole fortress is to climb its walls. They have a base of about four meters and rise to a height of nine meters. At the top are guns and defensive parapets, and at the south and southeast corner are two watchtowers.