The World Heritage Committee inscribed Fort Jesus on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001

Fort Jesus is an interesting place to spend a day exploring the gun turrets, battlements and houses within the walls. There is an excellent Museum and trained guides available.

Today the majestic Fort Jesus is a National Monument, standing high over the Mombasa harbour.

Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese in 1593-1596 to the designs of Giovanni Battista Cairati to protect the port of Mombasa, is one of the most outstanding and well-preserved examples of 16th Portuguese military fortification and a landmark in the history of this type of construction.

The Fort’s layout and form reflected the Renaissance ideal that perfect proportions and geometric harmony are to be found in the human body.