Guia Fort

This fortress atop the highest point on the peninsula was built in 1638 to defend the border with China. Storm warnings were sounded from the bell in the Chapel of Our Lady of Guia, built in 1622. The walls of the little church have interesting frescoes discovered recently, and there’s a colourful choir loft above the main entrance. On the floor below is a tombstone with the inscription (in Latin) : ‘Here lies at this gate the remains of a Christian, by accident, for his body does not deserve such an honourable sepulchre’. It’s believed the deceased was buried here in 1687. The 15m-tall Guia Lighthouse (Farol da Guia; 1865) is the oldest lighthouse on the China coast. It’s open on 18 May annually. On clear days you can see Lantau Island from the fort, but the new skyscrapers in NAPE now block some of the views. The 52m-long Guia Hill Air Raid Shelter, an old military installation, was constructed in 1931 and was off-limits until 1962. Photos of the history of the shelter and an electricity generator used during WWII are on display. The easiest way to reach the top of Guia Hill is to hop on the little Guia Cable Car that runs from 8am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday from just outside the entrance of the attractive Flora Garden, off Avenida de Sidónio Pais.