Mbolani Castle

Mbolani Castle is an important monument of the first and second iron periods, with fortification features that indicate different techniques of construction and wall processing. Built in the 5th century B.E.R., this ancient city is a testament to the urban development of the time.

Early Iron Age fortifications used the rough stone construction technique and included the absence of towers. A closer look at the planimetric formulation shows that the castle is set on a hill, its building followed by surrounding walls that carefully follow the contours of the terrain.

The walls of the castle surround an area of 3 hectares, with a total length of 660 meters. These walls are built with gray limestone blocks, following the shape of the limestone layers. The blocks have different dimensions, from 0.30 m x 0.30 m to 2.50 m x 0.90 m, creating an attractive and functional facade. The height of the walls is kept at a level of 0.50 meters and in some places it can be even higher.

The castle has a well-structured layout, where internal walls are used to divide spaces and create a clear central road. In the center of the fortress, on the highest part, is the Acropolis, which has a quadrangular shape with a cut corner to allow access. From two corners of this quadrangle, two straight walls descend that connect to the main surrounding walls, creating a third partition and a 4-meter-wide gate that connects this part to the rest of the fort.

The dimensions of these structures show a special care for the security and defense of the castle, using right-angled turns, gates and strong walls.

Although the Mbolani fort is in relatively good condition, it has suffered damage. In addition to its architectural and historical values, this fort is an important resource for scholars and researchers who wish to better understand the Iron Age and the fortification structures of the time.