Built in 1593, Fort Jesus was erected to defend Portuguese interest in the East African coast. Today, it is testimony of Mombasa's tumultuous history. From 1631 to 1875 Mombasa's primary tourist attraction changed hands no less than 9 times. A holding place for slaves in transit to Zanzibar during the period of Omani rule, the fort was used by the British first as a garrison and later as a prison. Fort Jesus, now a museum, houses a collection of artifacts excavated along the coast.