 Monte
Fort & Museum of Macau
Built by the Jesuits about the same time as St. Paul's, in
the early part of the 17th century, Monte Fort was only half
completed in 1622 when a Dutch fleet attacked Macau. A cannon
ball fired by defenders in the fort blew up the enemy's gunpowder
supply and saved the city. The fort was later used as the
governor's residence and then army barracks, when it was destroyed,
with St Paul's, by fire in 1835.
Today it houses the Museum of Macau, which occupies the foundations
and platform of the fort. Exhibits illustrate the life of
Macau and its people over the past four centuries,emphasising
the bi-cultural character of the city and the traditions of
Eastand West that continue to shape its society.
The museum is open 10am to 6pm daily, except Mondays, Admission
is MOP$15 for adults, MOP$8 for children under 11 & senior
citizens over 60, 50% discount for official institutions groups
& schools.
The fort's platform provides an excellent lookout over the
city and is accessible by the old gateway. It is open, admission-free,
6:OOam to 7:OOpm May to September and 7:OOam to 6:OOpm October
to April. |
