Walls and towers
The old seat of power.
Ahmedshayo14 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ahmedshayo14 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bukhit2022 — CC BY-SA 4.0
A square fort with high walls and corner towers on the main square of Lamu Old Town, built in the early nineteenth century after the Battle of Shela, when Lamu came under Omani protection. The fort was the seat of power in town for more than a century and a half, then a prison under the British and after independence, until it was emptied in 1984 and turned into a museum and cultural centre run by the National Museums of Kenya. Today it holds an exhibition on the environment and marine life of the Lamu Archipelago, along with halls for events and exhibitions. Its walls and roof look out over the town's rooftops, minarets, waterfront and dhows. In front of the fort is the main square, Lamu's meeting place and liveliest spot, with shady trees and sellers of coffee and juice. The fort is on the combined Lamu ticket.
The old seat of power.
The archipelago's sea life.
Lamu's meeting place.
Main square, Lamu Old Town
Lamu Old TownThe oldest continuously inhabited and best-preserved Swahili town in East Africa2 minutes walk
Riyadha Mosque, LamuA mosque and seminary at the southern end of Lamu Old Town, founded in the early3 minutes walk4.5
Lamu MuseumA museum in an elegant waterfront building in Lamu that housed consular official3 minutes walk4.1Yes, the combined Lamu ticket covers the fort, the museum, the Swahili House and the German Post Office.