Fort of Our Lady of the Annunciation

Fort of Our Lady of the Annunciation is a pentagonal stone fortress with four corner towers and a protective moat guarding the entrance to Ambon Bay. Inside are military buildings, cannons, and collections of historical maps and paintings.

Portuguese forces built the fortress in 1575 and named it Nossa Senhora da Anunciada. The Dutch captured it in 1605, renamed it Fort Victoria, and rebuilt it after an earthquake in 1754 as Nieuw Victoria.

The fort displays cannons and historical paintings of Dutch administrators who governed the region for centuries. These objects tell the story of the different powers that shaped life on the island.

The fortress serves as headquarters for the Pattimura Military Command but remains open to visitors interested in colonial architecture. It is advisable to check in advance whether access is currently available, as it still functions as an active military site.

The original structure bore a name referring to Mary's Annunciation, reflecting its deep religious meaning for the Portuguese builders. This spiritual connection shaped the place's identity from the start.