Also known as Citadel of Sao Paulo de Monte, it was built in the period 1617 to 1626 as part of the church of St. Paul's project and with the added purpose of defending the city from enemy attacks.

The Monte Fort's great moment of glory eventually came in 1622 when the Dutch colonialists attempted to invade Macao and were ignominiously defeated. It was also the only occasion that the cannon at the Fort was used.

The fort has been witness to three centuries of history, but was opened officially to the public for the first time in 1966. Centrally located, the fort is a splendid place to get a bird's eye view of the city, including Ruins of St. Paul's below, and visitors can see inland China just across the estuary.