Guia Fortress (including Guia Chapel and Lighthouse)
The Guia Fortress - together with the Guia Lighthouse and Guia Chapel - is one of the listed sites of the Historic Centre of Macau. The Lighthouse has stood on the peak of Guia Hill for over 140 years and is the first modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast and the oldest in the Far East. A lantern is installed on top of the circular observation platform, and the light transmitter is reached by a flight of spiral stairs inside. While access is not usually allowed to the tower, the Macau Port Authority will open it to the public on May 20 & 21. From this viewpoint, the whole of the Peninsula and the Historic Centre of Macau can be seen.
The Guia Chapel was originally established by nuns who resided at the site before establishing the Convent of St. Clare. Frescoes were uncovered inside the Chapel during routine conservation work, depicting representations of both Western and Chinese themes and motifs of religious and mythological inspiration that are a perfect example of Macau's multicultural society. Guia Fortress, along with the chapel and lighthouse are symbols of Macau's maritime, military and missionary past.
Visitors can reach Guia Hill by taxi or by a short cable car ride from the entrance of Flora Garden, on top of which stands not only the Guia Fortress but four underground tunnels that served as air raid shelters and extend in all directions. Opened to the public in 2005; the longest tunnel measures 456 metres while the shortest is 47 metres.
Opening Hours: opens to public on designated days only.