Tourist Attractions In Mombasa

The main tourist sight in Mombasa is Fort Jesus, an impressive structure built on a natural high outcrop against the sea. It was commissioned by the Portuguese in 1593 and built according to a design by an Italian architect called Cairati. The fort has enjoyed a tumultuous history, falling several times to invasions, including one by the locals allied with the Omani Arabs. Some of this history, including some remains from a famous shipwreck are displayed in the museum here.

The Old Town, with its tranquil air and combination of architectural styles and diverse ethnic traditions makes it a fascinating place to explore on foot on a late afternoon. Long established coastal Swahili architecture commonly found in Lamu rub shoulders with late 19th century Indian and British colonial style buildings. There are many fine examples of the intricately carved doors and door frames characteristics of Swahili houses in Lamu and Zanzibar, as well as fine balconies with beautiful fret and lattice work.

There are many mosques (over a hundred) in Mombasa including the Mandhry Mosque, the New Burhani Bohra Mosque and the Jamatkhana Mosque of the Ismaili Community. The Bhadala Mosque is on Samburu road, with a fine dome and minaret belongs to the Bhadala, a sea-faring people and among the first settlers on the island. Near the post office on Digo road is the Baluchi Mosque. Nearby is the Zinzi Mosque. The Jundani Mosque is on Gusii street, and was rebuilt in 1958 on the site of a mosque that was established in 1870. make sure that you are appropriately dressed, ask for permission to enter any mosque and remove your shoes. Women will probably not be allowed to enter.

There are also a number of Hindu Temples – the Swaminaryan Temple in powder blue and pink stands out. Siri Guru Sigh Saba is an elegant and well-maintained Sikh temple on Haile Selassie Rd.