Macao has a number of structures formerly used as fortresses, built either on hills or along the coastline of the day. Those facilities were later demilitarised and many are now tourist attractions. Pictured is Guia Fortress, which was built between 1622 and 1638. It and the adjacent Guia Chapel and Guia Lighthouse, are classified as Macao World Heritage sites.

Construction of Mong-Ha Fortress was completed in 1866. The structure was able to house artillery pieces with ordnance capable of reaching as far as the Border Gate. It was an important military position in the northern part of Macao that could be employed either for defensive or offensive purposes.

Mount Fortress is in the centre of Macao peninsula and was key to the city’s defence system. Construction of the fortress was completed in 1626. It covers an area of approximately 8,000 square metres. Walls of the fortress structure incorporate rammed earth, further strengthened by a coating of thick stucco featuring ground-up oyster shells.

Mount Fortress is in the centre of Macao peninsula and was key to the city’s defence system. Construction of the fortress was completed in 1626. It covers an area of approximately 8,000 square metres. Walls of the fortress structure incorporate rammed earth, further strengthened by a coating of thick stucco featuring ground-up oyster shells.

In 1965 a weather observatory was installed in former military barracks on Mount Fortress. The Macao Museum was opened within the grounds of Mount Fortress in 1998. Mount Fortress is a part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Macao, and attracts many visitors.

In 1965 a weather observatory was installed in former military barracks on Mount Fortress. The Macao Museum was opened within the grounds of Mount Fortress in 1998. Mount Fortress is a part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Macao, and attracts many visitors.

St. Francis Fortress is at Praia Grande Bay. The original structure was built in the 1720s. In its heyday, the fortress was important for coastal defence, and the ordnance of its cannon had a range capable of reaching Taipa. The two-storey building behind the fortress is St. Francis Barracks.

St. Francis Fortress is at Praia Grande Bay. The original structure was built in the 1720s. In its heyday, the fortress was important for coastal defence, and the ordnance of its cannon had a range capable of reaching Taipa. The two-storey building behind the fortress is St. Francis Barracks.

The facility now known as “Taipa Fortress at the quay”, was constructed in 1846 as a defence against pirate attack. Today it is the headquarters of the Scout Association of Macau. The yellow-coloured building seen in the background of these photographs was once used as an ammunition warehouse.

The facility now known as “Taipa Fortress at the quay”, was constructed in 1846 as a defence against pirate attack. Today it is the headquarters of the Scout Association of Macau. The yellow-coloured building seen in the background of these photographs was once used as an ammunition warehouse.