“Did those cannons always point out to sea?” a curious voice piped up. The imposing silhouette of Fort Jesus has dominated the Mombasa skyline for centuries. Its coral stone walls seem to whisper tales of a turbulent past. Built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596, Fort Jesus was more than just a fortress. It was a strategic foothold in East Africa, fiercely contested by empires vying for control of the lucrative Indian Ocean trade routes. The fort changed hands numerous times throughout its history, witnessing power struggles between the Portuguese, Omani Arabs, and eventually the British. Designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati, Fort Jesus boasts a unique blend of European military architecture and local Swahili craftsmanship. Within those walls, echoes of fierce battles, whispers of captive souls, and stories of cultural exchange intertwine. Did you know that the fort we see today is actually taller than the one originally built by the Portuguese? When the Omani Arabs seized control, they added an additional 9 feet to the already imposing 15-foot-high walls, making it even more challenging for invaders. Today, Fort Jesus stands as a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site. It reminds us of Mombasa’s vibrant and often tumultuous past.
Savannah Cottages
Picture the warm Kenyan sun kissing your skin. You stand before Savannah Cottages. A haven of tranquility awaits you. These