Maputo Fortress, also known as Fortaleza or Praça de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, is a national monument linked to the history of Portuguese colonial presence in Mozambique. The Maputo Fortress also symbolizes the socio-political and economic relations that have existed in this region. It can also be seen as an evidence of the context of colonial occupation and resistance struggles of the inhabitants of the lands on the shores of the bay. 

Its history dates back to the late 18th century when construction of the first Portuguese fortification in the bay began, in a context of commercial rivalry between various European countries. These rivalries were mounting and attacks were quite usual occurrences in the 19th century perpetrated by Nguni as well as the local resistance. The imprisonment of Ngungunyane in 1895 symbolizes this conquest, but also the resistance encountered in various parts of the territory. 

Maputo Fortress is protected as per Law No. 10/88 of December 22, which provides the legal protection of the tangible and intangible assets of Mozambique’s cultural heritage. Since the proclamation of national independence in 1975, Eduardo Mondlane University has been the guardian of the fortress. It was refurbished to encompass the Museum Project  regarding the History of Colonial Occupation and Resistance in the 1980s.