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.