Exploring the Fort

Standing imposingly on the shores of the Indian Ocean on the southern edge of the city, in what is known as Mombasa Old Town Port, the fort is a wonder to behold. It was built by the Portuguese in 1593 for the purpose of protecting their trade route to India and their interests in East Africa.

As you enter the square that constitutes the parking lot and entrance to the fort, its sheer enormity stops you dead in your tracks. Fluttering commandingly atop a turret on the 18 metres high walls is the Kenya flag leaving no doubt as to which country currently controls the island and the fort, after it was won and lost nine times by the different nations contesting control of Kenya between 1631 and 1875. These included the Arabs, Turks, Persians and Europeans who all sought to take control of the Indian Ocean trades routes.