Fort Jesus
Old Port of Mombasa, Kenya
What happened
Between 1593 and 1596, the Portuguese built Fort Jesus to guard the harbour of Mombasa, on the coast of what is now Kenya. Its thick walls and five pointed bastions were designed so defenders could protect every side. For about a hundred years, it helped Portugal control trade along the East African coast.
Why it matters
It was the first successful attempt by a European power to control the Indian Ocean trade routes. Its design reflects the Renaissance idea of perfect proportions and is one of the best-preserved Portuguese forts of the 1500s.
What came next
In 1698, after a long siege, forces from Oman captured the fort, and over the following centuries it changed hands many times. Under British rule it became a prison, and in 1958 it became a national monument; it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.
Did you know?
The fort's shape was planned using ideas of proportion based on the human body.
Timeline
- 1593The Portuguese begin building Fort Jesus.
- 1596The fort is completed.
- 1696 to 1698Omani forces besiege and capture the fort.
- 1958The fort becomes a national monument.
- 2011Fort Jesus becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site.