Mong-Há Fort

About this place

Mong-Há Fort stands on Mong-Há Hill in the north of the Macau Peninsula, part of an old military area that includes the Mong-Há Barracks. Well off the tourist trail, it looks over the towers of the northern city and a big stadium, offering a quiet place to walk and a different view from the crowded historic centre. Governor Ferreira do Amaral ordered it in 1849 to protect the northern sector, wary of a possible Chinese invasion after the First Opium War between Britain and China. Building was finished between 1864 and 1866, and the date 1866 shows above one of its doors. The site is now an open public park rather than a working military post. Steps climb among palms to a white stone entrance, then to an open terrace with old black cannon, some on wooden wheels, aimed at the city. You see a black and white striped survey pillar, stairs dropping to underground rooms and low white walls. Behind it all a wide view spreads over residential towers and trees. It is about 1.2 km in a straight line from Camões Garden, and the way up is steep, so take a taxi or climb slowly. Do not climb on the cannon, and watch the steps and inner edges, especially with children. Lower areas may sometimes be closed. Bring water, as the terrace has little shade, and the light is best late in the day.