Otanaha Fortress

Otanaha Fortress sits on Dembe Hill with strong stone walls offering broad views across Limboto Lake and the surrounding Gorontalo region. The fortification consists of multiple interconnected structures strategically positioned on the elevated terrain.

The fortress was built in 1522 when King Ilato of the Gorontalo Kingdom worked with Portuguese sailors to construct this defensive structure. The construction used sand, calcium, and Maleo bird eggs as binding material.

The three connected fortresses take their names from the Naha family: Otanaha, Otahiya, and Uwole, representing the local nobility's stand against foreign powers. Walking through the complex today, visitors can sense how these strongholds embodied the pride of regional rule.

Reaching the fortress requires climbing 348 stairs divided into four sections with rest stops along the way. Visitors should plan time for breaks and be prepared for uneven surfaces.

An unusual detail of the construction was the use of Maleo bird eggs as binding material, combining local resources with Portuguese building techniques. This method shows how regional materials were integrated into European fortress engineering.