Fort Margherita | |
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![]() Fort Margherita - the main tower and the walls | |
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General information | |
Status | Completed |
Type | Fort |
Location | Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia |
Coordinates | 1°33′38″N 110°20′58″E / 1.56056°N 110.34944°E |
Construction started | unknown |
Completed | 1879[1] |
Cost | $8,100 Sarawak dollar[2] |
Owner | Government of Sarawak |
Technical details | |
Floor count | 3 |
Fort Margherita is an old fort constructed in 1879[3] by Charles Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak, situated in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The fort is an important landmark and monument in Sarawak's history which goes back to the Brooke dynasty.[1] The fort, built in the style of an English castle, was designed to protect Kuching from being attacked by pirates.[4][5][6] It served as a Police Museum from 1971 before being handed over to the Government of Sarawak and now is a tourist attraction in Kuching. The fort now houses the Brooke Gallery, an exhibition showcasing the history of Sarawak under the Brooke dynasty.[5][7]
It is situated across the Sarawak River near The Astana, the official residence of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, and is accessible by road. It is a 15-minute drive along Petra Jaya, or a short river cruise from Pangkalan Batu, in front of Main Bazaar on Kuching Waterfront and located next to the New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building.[8] It is part of the Kuching Heritage Trail.[9]