Guia Fortress at the Jardim da Flora

Constructed in 1622, Guia Fortress and its lighthouse and chapel that sit on a hill high above Macau once served as coastal defense against the invading Dutch fleet. Today, it's a symbol of Macau, and even appears on the 1 pataca coin.

Flora Gardens cable car to Guia Fortress

We arrived at Flora Gardens (Jardim da Flora), Macau's largest park, in the early afternoon, heading to the fortress which sits in the middle of the park. It was a weekday, and except for a small group of students on break for lunch, the park was really pretty quiet. We could have hiked to the top of the hill, but instead we opted to take the 2 pataca cable car to the top.

riding the cable car in Macau

It's not so far to the top of the hill, so the cable car just takes a few minutes. As we rose over the park, we saw a small zoo area below. We decided that we would walk back down from the fortress.

rising over Macau

The fortress perches on a tall hill overlooking Macau. It's the highest natural point in Macau (many of the tall surrounding buildings rise higher) and it gives excellent views across the entire peninsula.

the walls of the fortress

There were lots of joggers at the top; local people getting fresh air and exercise as they ran the track that spiraled up and down the hill. There weren't many tourists though. Foreign visitors tend to overlook the historical side of Macau in favor of the casinos. All the better for us though - we had the whole place to ourselves!

atop Guia Fortress

The fortress itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of many such protected and recognized historical areas in Macau. A network of tunnels run through the hill, remnants of the Macanese defense against the invading Japanese during the Second World War.

the Macau skyline with the iconic Grand Lisboa Casino in the distance

Atop the hill, taking the place of honor in the city (at least until the Grand Lisboa was constructed) is the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Guia, the Chapel of Our Lady of Guidance. It's appropriately named; a historic lighthouse stands proudly next to the chapel.

Guia Fortress

Inside, the chapel is covered in beautiful historic fresco murals. These had been uncovered during renovations in the 1990s. The chapel dates back to the early 17th century, one of the first Jesuit sites on the peninsula.

The lighthouse was constructed later, during the 1800s. It was the first western-style lighthouse in Asia.

Guia Fortress was an important part of the defense of Macau. The tiny peninsula was a rich prize for Portugal's Dutch and English competitors. It was vital in controlling trade to and from China. Until British acquisition of Hong Kong, Portugal had a near monopoly on Chinese trade to the west.

these cannons defended Macau from Dutch invaders

lazy cat at the fortress