Fort Jesus

History

Fort Jesus is one of Mombasa's most popular tourist attractions. It is located along the coastline near Old Town looking more of a monumental piece of architecture that was built in 1593 by the Portuguese and designed by the Italian architect, Cairati in the 16th century which became a centre of a historic struggle for control of the Kenya coast between the Portuguese army and the Shirazi Arabs. The Fort is said to have changed hands nine times between 1631 and 1875 before the British taking over it. The Sultan of Oman controlled Fort Jesus and made minor adjustment by raising the walls.

What will you see?

There is a museum inside the Fort showcasing various artifacts from the era when Mombasa acted as a transit point for the abolished slave trade and other commodities, including unconfirmed regular visits by seafarers. Inside the Fort comprises of torture rooms and prison cells where slaves were kept before being traded or exchanged with other commodities. Defensive weapons such as arsenals or canons which were used to defend the fort from invaders as well as local rioters can be seen inside and outside the Fort.

Other showcases include the Portugese frigate, Santo Antonio de Tanna, which sank off Fort Jesus during a seige in 1698. At the compound there is the ruined Omani house, built in the late 18th century and housing Oman jewelry.

The Fort opens for touring in the morning till evening.

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