Unraveling the History of Kenya: A Look at Fort Jesus Museum

The history of the Fort Jesus Museum, Kenya:

What people know as the fort Jesus Museum in Kenya today was not always a museum, instead, this building has a long history that dates back to the 16th century, and served the purpose of a military fort in the town of Mombasa, which was an important trade centre in the past.

The Fort was first built in the later half of the 16th century by the Portuguese, who were also the first European power to enter Africa. Fort Jesus Museum was then used as a defense military block and the fortress protected the Portuguese from any outside invasions.

Later, when the British protectorate was claimed, the site was converted into a prison decades. Later today for Jesus, Mombasa is an extremely important historical landmark in Kenya also registered as a UNESCO world Heritage site.

Appreciating the Architecture at Fort Jesus, Kenya:

As the Fort was originally constructed by the Portuguese, it continues to pay homage to their architectural brilliance and stands as a striking example of renaissance military architecture. Quite interestingly, Fort Jesus Mumbai, Kenya resembles a human form when viewed from the top, the Rennison military architectural form is enhanced with the use of local techniques, and materials such as limestones.

Originally the walls of the Fortress were so robust that they could withstand fear, scanning ball attacks and almost 50 feet high, nearly eradicating the possibility of any invader scaling the walls and entering the premises. Much later, the Omanis conquered the place and increased the height of the walls by another 9 feet.

It has almost been 300 years since the Jesus museum in Kenya was first constructed and the architecture has seen some significant changes since then.  today, the architectural style could perhaps be defined as a blend of European African as well as middle eastern techniques and designs.

What is there to see at Fort Jesus Museum?

Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Kenya, despite its rather grave history is today, an amazing cultural site, a beautiful museum open for everyone to visit and get an insight into the land, culture and people of Kenya. Among some of the most amazing sites in the premises is the Oman House, which was also the historical residence of the Sultan, who was also the Governor of the East African Coast. Fort Jesus Mombasa’s history is definitely one that has fascinated historians, archaeologists as well as scholars for decades. Here are some of the most amazing locations that you must not visit if you’re at Fort Jesus Museum, Kenya.

• Swahili culture Center: Remarkable cultural Centre, many youngsters from Kenya are trained here in traditional arts and crafts. Other forms of training are also imported such as business management and other self-employment skills.
• The butterfly exhibit: The butterfly exhibit is a relatively recent attraction at Fort Jesus Museum and is essentially a live butterfly exhibition, allowing the viewers an opportunity to learn more about the biodiversity in various species of butterflies in Mombasa.
• Historical  Artifacts: As you stroll through the Fort Jesus museum, you will be able to witness a string of historical artifacts, including ceramics and pottery pieces, which give the viewers an insight into the time when Mombasa used to be a massive trading center.

Fort Jesus as a UNESCO world Heritage site:

In the year 2011, the museum was declared a UNESCO world Heritage site. The Fort was built almost 400 years ago and has seen some change in the architecture. It has also managed to preserve the same basic shape that was its original structure.

In addition to that, it is also a rare as well as outstanding example of 16 century Portuguese military fortifications, which is also extremely well preserved till today.

Some essential information on for Jesus Museum, if you’re planning a visit:

• Fort Jesus museum entry fee: 

An essential piece of information before entering any monument or cultural site is the knowledge of whether or not an entrance fee is charged. For Fort Jesus Mombasa, entry fee is 1200 KES for non-resident adults, 600 KES for non-resident children, about 400 KS for East African adults, 200 KES for East African children, 200 KES for citizens of Kenya, who are adults and finally hundred KS for Kenyan children.

• Timings at Fort Jesus Mombasa:

Fort Jesus at Mombasa, Kenya opens everyday early at 8am and closes after 6pm in the evening. It is today one of the most visited places within Kenya, and you can often expect small crowds visiting almost all the time.

• How to get to Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa:

The most convenient way to reach Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa is via a bus. There are multiple bus routes which lead to the fort, and there are a few  bus stations which are especially popular like the Market Bus Stop and Kanisani Bus Stop. Alternatively, for tourists who wish to take the train instead, can do so via the Nairobi Metro Station, and then take any public transportation to the Jesus Fort Museum after they reach Mombasa.

In Conclusion:

It is important to remember that countries like Kenya, which are largely popular for their tropical holidays, as well as wonderful safaris also have a rich history and cultural backgrounds. One can explore these aspects through many ways, and one of them is to familiarize oneself with the art, language and monuments of a place. And you can grab your opportunity to witness all of these at the Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa. From wonderful historical artifacts that remind one of the time when Mombasa was a trading center, to many beautiful art and craft pieces that are simply mesmerizing, you should definitely not miss your visit at Fort Jesus in Kenya if you’re on a trip here!