Fortress
Lamu Fort
🇰🇪 Kenya · 19th century
The Lamu Fort (Swahili: Ngome ya Lamu), is a fortification in the town of Lamu in northeastern Kenya. Originally situated on the waterfront, the fort today is located in a central position in the town, about 70 metres (230 ft) from the main jetty on the shore.
Lamu Fort was built between 1813 and 1821 with Omani assistance. Initially it provided a base from which the Omanis consolidated their control of the East African coast but the town later lost its economic importance. During the British colonial period, and after the independence of Kenya, the fort was used as a prison. Today it houses an environmental museum and library, and is often used for community events.
Text adapted from “Lamu Fort” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Lamu Fort ranks #6,967 of 8,133 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #3 of the 3 mapped in Kenya. Founded 1813, it is older than 12% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 607 atlas entries founded in the 19th century. See how Kenya compares in the castle statistics.
View on the interactive castle map →Frequently asked questions
Where is Lamu Fort?
Lamu Fort stands in Kenya, at -2.30028°, 40.91158°.
When was Lamu Fort built?
The atlas dates its founding to 1813. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.
Is Lamu Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes — it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, per its Wikidata entry.
How famous is Lamu Fort?
In this atlas's fame ranking: #6,967 of 8,133 worldwide, and #3 in Kenya. Fame here combines how many Wikipedia language editions cover a landmark with how many people read them.
What is the nearest castle to Lamu Fort?
Fort Jesus Museum, about 240 km away.
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