Guia Hill is a historical landmark in Macau and the end point of the Cable Guia. I had wanted to just turn back immediately after the ride, but since I was here, why not check out the place. On my weekday visit, there are three main places available to visit without any prior reservations needed – Guia Military Tunnel Complex A, Chapel of Our Lady of Guia, and Guia Lighthouse. With that, I started my exploration of Guia Hill.
First up – Guia Military Tunnel Complex A.
The refurbished entrance to Guia Military Tunnel Complex A.
There are a total of 3 sets of tunnels in Guia Hill, out of which , only 1, Guia Military Tunnel Complex A, is open to visitors freely. As the Guia Military Tunnel Complex A is not connected to any military facility, it may have just be used as an air raid shelter.
Entering the Guia Military Tunnel Complex A with a security guard inside. Photos on the wall describe how Macau was like in the 1930s.
A water tank within Guia Military Tunnel Complex A, probably used as the key water source by those seeking refuge in times of emergencies.
Some displays of how life was like in the tunnels.
A preserved electricity generator in Guia Military Tunnel Complex A.
Heading out of Guia Military Tunnel Complex A.
At just 52 meters long, the Guia Military Tunnel Complex A is pretty short, but perhaps it does its job sufficiently offering sufficient protection up on the hill.
The exit door of Guia Military Tunnel Complex A.
Next, is a climb up to the Guia Fortress for the Chapel of Our Lady of Guia and Guia Lighthouse.
The view of Hotel Lisboa and Macau Tower from Guia Fortress.
Continuing along the perimeter of the fortress.
The entrance to Guia Fortress.
Some frames on display which were used in the lighthouse to provide signals based on their shape.
There is a visitor centre depicting the Guia Fortress before heading up the steps.
A scale model of the Guia Fortress in the unmanned visitor centre.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Guia and Guia Lighthouse, undergoing some restoration.
Entering the Chapel of Our Lady of Guia (Capela de Nossa Senhora da Guia). Unfortunately, no photos were allowed inside, enforced by a security guard inside, but it is now air-conditioned with some featured restored frescoes. The walking path is also on a separate platform from the restored original flooring.
The door to the Guia Lighthouse, blocked off from entry.
The Guia Lighthouse with bamboo scaffolding around it.
A preserved cannon pointing towards the harbour.
Looking down at Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal with the new Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB) Macau Port in the background.
A restored bronze bell from 1707 of the Chapel of Our Lady of Guia beside the chapel.
The skyline of Macau as seen from the Guia Fortress.
The Macau Regional Flag flying high above Macau.
Heading out of the Guia Fortress.
Walking back to the Parque Municipal da Colina da Guia cable car station via a different upper path.
Passing by Guia Military Tunnel Complex B, which is closed to the public on regular days, and only open on weekends for short periods for guided tours only.
Overall, a pleasant (and free) sightseeing trip to for the most part unknown historical Macau which is not the standard Ruins of St. Paul’s and The Venetian Macao that everyone sees. Now, off to catch the Cable Guia back down.
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