Between 1631 and the early 1870s, the fort changed hands at least nine times, from Portuguese to Omani to local Swahili control, reflecting the complex struggles for power in East Africa. In the 1870s, the British took over and used the fort as a prison until it became a museum in 1960.

The fort’s design is a classic example of period military architecture. If it had been adequately manned, its walls would have been nearly impossible to breach, with fields of fire intersecting at every point. One of the most notable features inside the fort is Mazrui Hall, where intricate spirals adorn the walls, alongside wooden lintels left by Omani Arabs. Another fascinating aspect is the graffiti left by Portuguese sailors, which includes European frigates, Arabic dhows, and the elegant Swahili mtepe, a traditional sailing vessel.

In the San Felipe bastion, you’ll find a small Omani house, built in the late 18th century, where an exhibit showcases Omani jewelry, weaponry, and other artifacts. The fort’s eastern wall features an Omani audience hall and the Passage of the Arches, which leads to a stunning vista of the sea and sky framed by coral stone.
The museum at the center of the fort displays intriguing finds from 42 Portuguese warships sunk during the Omani Siege of 1697, including barnacled earthenware jars, Persian amulets, and Chinese porcelain. Although the displays are not well-labeled, the collection offers a glimpse into the region’s maritime history.