Fort Jesus, Mombasa (must see)
Fort Jesus stands as one of the most iconic monuments along the Swahili coast and a vivid reminder of the centuries-long struggle for control of the Indian Ocean trade. Constructed between 1593 and 1596 under the orders of King Felipe II of Spain (also King Filipe I of Portugal), the fort was designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati in the Renaissance style. It was the first European-style fort built outside Europe, specifically designed to resist cannon fire, making it a groundbreaking military structure of its time. From above, its plan resembles the shape of a human figure lying on its back, a unique detail that has fascinated visitors for centuries.
Throughout its history, Fort Jesus was a prized possession, captured and recaptured at least nine times by the Portuguese, Omani Arabs, and later the British. The Portuguese initially built it to protect their hold on Mombasa鈥檚 Old Port, but after a dramatic two-year siege from 1696 to 1698, the Omanis took control, leaving their mark with Quranic inscriptions and architectural additions. The British later occupied the fort in 1895, converting it into a prison until its declaration as a national monument in 1958. Each period of occupation left layers of cultural and architectural influence, from Portuguese cannons to Omani water systems and British modifications.
Today, Fort Jesus is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also home to the Fort Jesus Museum, which preserves its rich history through exhibits and archaeological finds. Visitors can explore its imposing 18-meter-high walls, ancient cisterns, and the Oman House, once used by the ruling sultan. Cultural events, sound and light shows, and rotating displays bring its story to life, making the site more than just a relic of the past.
Throughout its history, Fort Jesus was a prized possession, captured and recaptured at least nine times by the Portuguese, Omani Arabs, and later the British. The Portuguese initially built it to protect their hold on Mombasa鈥檚 Old Port, but after a dramatic two-year siege from 1696 to 1698, the Omanis took control, leaving their mark with Quranic inscriptions and architectural additions. The British later occupied the fort in 1895, converting it into a prison until its declaration as a national monument in 1958. Each period of occupation left layers of cultural and architectural influence, from Portuguese cannons to Omani water systems and British modifications.
Today, Fort Jesus is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also home to the Fort Jesus Museum, which preserves its rich history through exhibits and archaeological finds. Visitors can explore its imposing 18-meter-high walls, ancient cisterns, and the Oman House, once used by the ruling sultan. Cultural events, sound and light shows, and rotating displays bring its story to life, making the site more than just a relic of the past.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mombasa. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Fort Jesus on Map
Sight Name: Fort Jesus
Sight Location: Mombasa, Kenya (See walking tours in Mombasa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Mombasa, Kenya (See walking tours in Mombasa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Mombasa, Kenya
Create Your Own Walk in Mombasa
Creating your own self-guided walk in Mombasa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Mombasa Shopping Tour
Mombasa is the best place in Kenya for souvenirs, because most of the country鈥檚 unique handicrafts are made right here in the city. You can get many amazing African art pieces, handmade jewelry and home decorations like captivating wooden statues. Take our tour to find the best shopping spots in the city, from the beach to the Old Town district.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Mombasa's Top Religious Sites
Mombasa has a strong Arab influence, a fact which is reflected in the great number of old mosques in this Kenyan city. But here you鈥檒l also find many Hindu temples and Christian churches that have been established over time. Take our self-guided tour to explore the religious life of the city.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Mombasa Introduction Walking Tour
Kenya's second-largest city Mombasa is a bustling metropolis and a major regional cultural and economic hub. Owing to its strategic location on the country's east coast, facing the Indian ocean, Mombasa enjoys steady influx of visitors as both, a seaport and tourist destination. The most notable local landmarks include the famous "Tusks", Swaminarayan Temple, Jain Temple, Fort... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles