Overview
Built in 1593 by the Portuguese to defend Indian Ocean trade routes, Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati in the unusual shape of a human figure. Over more than 400 years it has been ruled by the Portuguese, Arabs, and British, and its on-site museum displays trade history and archaeological finds from the Swahili coast. The view of Mombasa's old harbor from the ramparts is striking.
Opening Hours
Daily 08:00-18:00
Travel Tips
A guided tour helps unpack the fort's layered history. Visit in the afternoon to enjoy the Indian Ocean sunset.
Hotels near Fort Jesus
Hotels and guesthouses in Mombasa, Old Town, Mombasa
