Amazing African Castles

Angola

The Fortress of Sao Miguel is located in Luanda, Angola. It was built in 1576 by Paulo Dias de Novais. It sits on a large hilltop. The fortress was a holding point for slaves on their way to the New World and became an administrative center of the Portuguese colony. The fortress showcases a blend of Renaissance and military architecture, featuring thick walls and strategic positioning overlooking the harbor.

Egypt

The Saladin Citadel in Cairo dates back to 1176. The fortress was built to fortify Cairo from invasions during the Crusades. Added features include minarets designed in the Ottoman style. Its location on a promontory of the Mokattam Hills near the center of Cairo commands a strategic position overlooking the city and dominating its skyline.It was proclaimed by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage Site Historic Cairo, which was "the new center of the Islamic world, reaching its golden age in the 14th century." The Saladin Citadel is home to several museums.

Ethiopia

Yohannes Castle, located in Gondar, Ethiopia, is a significant historical site. Built in the 17th century during the reign of Emperor Yohannes IV, it showcases the architectural style of the time and reflects the grandeur of the Ethiopian Empire. The castle served as a royal residence and a military stronghold. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the "Aksum, Lalibela, and Gondar" region, recognized for its cultural importance.

Ghana

Elmina Castle is located in Elmina, Ghana, and was built ten years prior to Columbus’s journey to the New World in 1492. It was the first of the Dutch Gold Coast castles and is the oldest European structure in sub-Saharan Africa. The castle changed hands between the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, reflecting the colonial struggles in West Africa. The castle features a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, with thick walls and a strategic coastal location. It includes dungeons where enslaved people were held, which are now a somber reminder of its dark history. Elmina Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kenya

Fort Jesus in Mombasa is an impressive fort that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Viewing the fortress from the air, it looks like the figure of a man lying on his back with arms outstretched. Fort Jesus was originally commissioned by King Philip I of Portugal. It has changed hands multiple times, being occupied by the Portuguese, Omani Arabs, and the British, reflecting the region's colonial history. Today, Fort Jesus houses a museum that displays artifacts from its history, including items from the Swahili culture and the fort's various occupants. Visitors enjoy the scenic views of the Indian Ocean.

Namibia

Duwisib Castle was built in 1908 by Captain Hans Heinrich von Wolf. It is located in the southern part of the country, near the town of Maltahöhe. The castle is set against a backdrop of stunning Namibian landscapes, including the Namib Desert.

It features a blend of medieval and German architectural styles. Originally intended as a private residence, it later served as a military outpost during World War I and is a symbol of German colonial history in Namibia.

South Africa

The Castle of Good Hope is located in Cape Town. It was built by the Dutch East India Company in 1666. This is the oldest colonial structure in South Africa. It is star-shaped with a main gate, bell tower, and various bastions. Prisoners were held here during the Second Boer War. The Castle of Good Hope was originally built as a replenishment station for ships traveling to the East and served as the military headquarters for the Dutch and later the British. Today this castle is home to the Castle Military Museum.