Lamu Fort, Military fortress in Lamu old town, Kenya.
Lamu Fort is a two-story rectangular structure built from coral stone, standing near the main jetty of Lamu town on the Kenyan coast, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has thick walls, several bastions, and faces the waterfront directly.
Omani Arabs built the fort between 1813 and 1821 to secure Lamu's harbor after the Battle of Shela. It later served as a prison during British colonial rule, a function that continued until the 1980s.
The fort shows arched openings and coral stone details that are typical of Swahili coast buildings, mixing Arabic and Indian touches. These elements appear throughout Lamu town as well, making the fort a good starting point for reading the local architecture.
The fort sits directly on Lamu's waterfront promenade, making it easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the old town. Inside, uneven surfaces and stairs lead to the upper levels, so wear sturdy shoes.
Although built as a military defense, the fort now houses an environmental museum and a library run by the National Museums of Kenya. Its large inner courtyard is regularly used for weddings and public performances by local residents.
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