Situated next to St. Paul’s and built between 1617 and 1626 is the Monte Forte. This imposing fort spans around 8,000 square meters, including two small watchtowers on each south-eastern corner. Lining the battlements are 32 muzzle-loading cannons, some of which are original and which have actually only been fired once in the fort’s history. When the Jesuits came to Macau, they needed to protect their trading centre and settlement from the notorious pirates of the South China Sea, which is why the fort was built next to St. Paul’s on top of one of the highest hills. From here, they had an excellent view over the water and a chance for advance warning for any pirate attacks. Today the fort serves as an historical museum.