Fort Jesus, Mombasa

World Heritage

Kenya

🎧 Listen to Introduction

Built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596 to designs by Giovanni Battista Kerati to protect the port of Mombasa, the fort is one of the most outstanding and best preserved examples of 16th century Portuguese military fortification and a milestone in the history of this type of architecture. The layout and form of the fort reflect the Renaissance ideal that perfect proportion and geometric harmony can be found in the human body. The property covers an area of 2.36 hectares, including the fort's moat and surroundings.

# Portuguese

# 1593-1596

# Military fortifications

# Renaissance

# Proportional and geometric harmony