Guia Fortress
Estrada Do Istmo, Macau, China
Built in the 17th century as a fortification against foreign aggression, Guia Fortress is located at the highest point on the Macau Peninsula, the 300-foot (91-meter) Guia Hill. Guia Fortress also includes a lighthouse and a chapel. It offers panoramic views of Macau, and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Macau Historic Centre.
The Basics
Visitors can walk up Guia Hill to reach the fort and chapel, but many opt to take the cable car that boards outside of Flora Garden instead, and then take a leisurely walk at the top to enjoy the views. Built in 1622, Guia Chapel retains most of its original features, including elaborate frescoes depicting a variety of Western and Chinese themes. Next to the chapel is the 49-foot-tall (15-meter-tall) lighthouse, the oldest modern lighthouse on China’s coast.
Travelers can visit Guia Fortress as part of a multi-day tour of Hong Kong and Macao highlights, or on a day trip from Hong Kong.
Things to Know Before You Go
It’s free to enter the fort and the chapel.
Photos are not permitted inside the chapel.
The lighthouse is not currently open to the public.
There is a fee to ride the cable car up to the fort.
How to Get There
The fort is located on Guia Hill on the Macau Peninsula. From Senado Square, it’s about 30 minutes’ walk. It’s easiest to take a taxi, or bus No. 2, 2A, 6, 12, 17, 18, 19, 22, 25, or 32.
When to Get There
The cable car runs Tuesday to Sunday. The fortress and chapel are open daily, with the last admission to the chapel at 5:30pm. The only religious ceremony celebrated at Guia Chapel is on August 5, the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Snow.
Things to Do Near Guia Fort
Guia Hill is right next to Flora Gardens, which contains a small zoo and an aviary. Nearby Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall commemorates the founder of the Chinese republic, while Kun Iam Temple is one of Macau’s three ancient temples.
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