Here are 8 of the most iconic forts in Africa with rich colonial history you should know

Fort Jesus – Kenya

Designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati who was greatly influenced by the Italian architect Pietro Cataneo, Fort Jesus is located on the beautiful Mombasa Island in Kenya. Built between 1593 and 1596, the fort was built by the order of King Philip I of Portugal to guard the Old Port of Mombasa.

Fort Jesus represents the successful attempt of the West to establish their influence over the Indian Ocean Trade. When viewed from the top, the Fort is the image of a man lying down flat.

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The fort is identified as one of the most well-preserved forts in Africa depicting the Portuguese military architecture of the 16^th century as recognized as a Unesco World Heritage site.