Description
The impressive Fort Jesus on Mombasa Island is a significant historical landmark in East Africa and a popular attraction for local and international visitors.
It was built in 1593 to guard the entrance of the harbour by order of King Philip I of Portugal, also King Philip II of Spain, joint monarch of the Portuguese and Spanish Kingdoms. The fort was given the name of Jesus, and displays the shape of a man from the air.
In 2011 Fort Jesus was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significance as one of the most outstanding and well-preserved examples of 16th Century Portuguese military fortifications.
Apart from its status as a major tourist destination, the Fort is an important host for numerous research programs, a Conservation Lab, and Education Department and the Old Town Conservation Office.
Fort Jesus Map
* We rely on Google's mapping service, and the location information supplied to
us to show street view images. Please use street view as a guide only as we cannot
guarantee its accuracy.
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.