Culture & Heritage · Mombasa
Fort Jesus
A 16th-century Portuguese fort guarding Mombasa's old port, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011 and one of the best-preserved examples of Renaissance military fortification anywhere.
How to get there
Within Mombasa Old Town.
What to find
Original coral-rock ramparts, a museum of coastal trade history, and views over the harbour.
Overview
Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596 to guard the old port of Mombasa. It was designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati, and is one of the finest surviving examples of 16th-century Portuguese military architecture.
Over the following centuries the fort changed hands several times between the Portuguese, the Omani Arabs and the British. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 and today houses a museum on the history of the Swahili coast.
Highlights
- Massive coral-stone ramparts and bastions
- A museum of coastal trade and shipwreck finds
- Views over Mombasa's old harbour
- The start point for exploring Mombasa's Old Town
Things to do
Guided fort visit
Allow 1 to 2 hours.
Old Town walk
Continue through the nearby streets and markets.
Best time to visit
All year. Visit early to avoid the midday heat.
Getting there
In Mombasa Old Town, a short drive from the city centre and beach hotels.
Where to stay
Stay in Mombasa, or on the beaches of Nyali, Bamburi or Diani.
Mombasa & the coast
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Kenya →
Good to know
- Combine the fort and the Old Town in one morning.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.