Directly next to the ruins of the church of Mater Dei a fortress to protect the harbour rises up.
On the way up we passed a collection of cannons on the Caminho des Artilheiros, further guarded by a selection atop the fortifications.
Looking out from the top of the fortress, you can see why it was chosen as the place to fortify. Anyone attacking Macau from the narrow channel of the Pearl River between the island and the mainland was seen quickly. When it was less built up, attacks from on high were likely to reduce the number of attackers approaching.
The high viewpoint made it the home of the signal bell, which was rung in cases of emergency. The current bell is a replica of the original, made in Macau in 1984.
The centre of the fortress is now home to a museum, which very conveniently has free public conveniences. It makes the climb up the steps worthwhile!
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