Monte Fort

Monte Fort, also known as Fortaleza do Monte, Central Fort, or Fortaleza de São Paulo, is located beside the Ruins of St. Paul's and is one of the major historical attractions in Macau, China. Monte Fort was built in 1616 during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of Ming, originally owned by the church to protect the clergy inside St. Paul's Church from pirates, and later converted into a military facility area. Atop the fort, there is a vast expanse of open space with lush green grass; towering ancient trees thrive; and gigantic steel cannons stand imposingly. There are also many historical relics and architectural structures on the fort, such as the ancient tower, which was one of the sites of the Jesuit society. The Southern European-style bungalow built in the center of the open space serves as the office for the meteorological bureau.