Fort Dona Maria II explained

Fort Dona Maria II
Native Name:Fortaleza de Dona Maria II
Location:Macau
Country:China
Coordinates:22.2034°N 113.5555°W
Controlledby:Portuguese Empire
China
Condition:Good
Built:1852[1]

The Fort Dona Maria II (Fortaleza de Dona Maria II in Portuguese) is located in Macau, in China.

History

Fort Dona Maria II was erected in 1852 to replace the one constructed by the Portuguese in the neighbouring hill of Mong-Ha. Both were maintained to cross their fires and better defend Macau from land attacks or seaborne attacks from the Cacilhas Bay, one of the few places in the east coast of Macau were landings were possible.[1]

The fort, along with its moat and drawbridge, bears an irregular hexagonal shape. It was built of stone and mortar, brick battlements, and granite lintels, probably under the supervision of engineer major António de Azevedo Cuna.[1] Entrance is made via a tunnel which includes traditional shooting slits.[1]

It was renovated in 1871 and 1872, but by 1899 the fort was deactivated.[1]

On January 16, 1945, during World War II, the fort was bombed by American aircraft, although it is unclear whether the attack was accidental or not.[2] [3]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Pedro Dias: Forte de D. Maria II in hpip.org.
  2. https://cronicasmacaenses.com/2012/12/02/macau-forte-e-estrada-de-d-maria-ii/ Macau: Forte e Estrada de D. Maria II
  3. https://m.cityguide.gov.mo/e/sightseeing/Detail/fortress?id=bc26c645-0bc3-458b-a7be-87f3cc208990 Fortress of Dona Maria