Fort Jesus Museum Travel Guide: Top Sights in Kenya, Tours & Travel

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Fort Jesus Museum- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Kenya; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 2 hours

Fort Jesus Museum, located in Mombasa, Kenya, is a monumental historical site that offers a glimpse into the region's rich past. Constructed by the Portuguese in 1593, this UNESCO World Heritage site was designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati to protect Mombasa's Old Port. The fort has been a focal point in the battles between the Portuguese and the Omani Arabs, marking its importance in East Africa's colonial history. Today, the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the diverse cultures of the Swahili Coast, including pottery, ceramics, and traditional weapons. Visitors can explore the fort's architecture, which reflects Portuguese, Arabic, and British influences, and enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

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Reviews of Fort Jesus

Rui Fernandes

4
Reviewed: 2024-08-09

It is a nice historical place particularly for a Portuguese but clearly needs better guidances. Many areas are closed and/or in ruins. The signs with information are scarce. And it is completely crazy that you need to have a local number to be able to enter since you only can buy the ticket online!
Noah Kins

4
Reviewed: 2024-07-21

Historical site dating way way back. It's easily accessible from Mombasa town. Interesting history to learn about the place and it's Portuguese builders. African artifacts sold on site and a museum to visit too. If You need a guide to show you around, there are plenty
Buka A.

5
Reviewed: 2024-06-29

Visiting museums is one of the best ways to learn about a city/country’s history. I learnt so much visiting Fort Jesus - it is definitely one of the most interesting ones i have visited so far, with help from the excellent tour guide. Found it so interesting learning about the history of the Kenyan coast from all the way back in the 12 century, including the Arabs, Portuguese and British. Highly recommend.
Mathew Taylor

4
Reviewed: 2024-04-27

Definitely worth visiting. An historic Portuguese fort right at the entrance to the city from the Indian Ocean with stunning views of the sea and of the old town from the ramparts. Plenty of nooks and crannies to explore within its ancient walls, giving you a feel of what it must have been like for troops stationed there hundreds of years ago with its formidable walls and 360 degree vistas of the surrounding lands
CLAIRÉ.A. MURUNGA

5
Reviewed: 2024-04-24

Such a beautiful history site. Our country is sooo rich when it comes down to historical sites. An absolute must place to visit if you want to learn about how people in the old times lived and survived this earth. I loved it cause I love learning about things. PS: Take a tour guide for the trip around the museum to better understand the place.