500-Year-Old Fort Jesus in Mombasa on the Cusp of Collapse

Fort Jesus, Kenya’s historical monument located in Mombasa is reportedly on the cusp of crumbling. 

The 500-year-old historical structure has allegedly developed cracks as a result of strong ocean waves.

Amran Hussein, the Keeper, Antiquities, Sites and Monuments in the Coast region said the building, which was designed by Italian architect Joao Babtista Cairato developed a major fissure at its footing after it was hit by extremely strong water waves.

“Last year the waves were so strong and it was so windy that a crack developed at the foot of the fort,” says Hussein.

Director of Antiquities, Sites and Monuments at the National Museums of Kenya Purity Kiura said Fort Jesus' problems have been building up for five centuries.

“Its possible climate change and sea waves have been hitting at the coral stones for the last 500 years. In the past, there was a wall to protect the fort from the waves but this was eaten away. The waves have now reached the base of the fort,” Kiura says.

The fort was declared a national park in 1858, and in 2011 it was named United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. It is one most visited historical sites in the East African region by tourists from across the world.