Descriptive text

Name: Nurulbaiti R. Husain

Class: X1.4

BENTENG OTANAHA
Identification:
Fort Otanaha is one of the historic sites located in kelurahan Dembe 1, kecamatan Kota Barat,
kota Gorontalo. This fort was made in 1522 based on an agreement between King Ilato and the
Portuguese who arrived in Gorontalo at that time
Description:
Otanaha Fort was built when a Portuguese ship stopped in Gorontalo. They met with
King Ilato (1505-1585), then offered his services to strengthen the defense and security of his
kingdom. According to the agreement, the Portuguese built three forts on the hill. The fort is
about 7 meters high and 20 meters in diameter. All three are interconnected by paths that lead to
each of the forts. Because of its location on a hill, the fort is indeed very strategic for spying on
enemies.
In 1525, Gorontalo was attacked by enemies. because the Portuguese sided with the
enemy to attack Gorontalo. It is revealed that the Portuguese approached Raja Ilato as part of a
strategy of attack.
Until 1585, Gorontalo was still in a state of war. King Ilato's son, Naha, and his wife
Ohihiya, led the battle and made three fortresses their base of defense. But in that battle, Naha
and her son Pahu were killed. To commemorate his struggle, the three forts built by the
Portuguese were named Otanaha, Otahiya and Ulupahu. There are 353 steps to get to the top of
Otanaha Fort. Meanwhile, to get to Fort Otahiya there are 245 steps and to Fort Ulupahu there
are 59 steps.
To reach Fort Otanaha, from Jalaludin Airport you can travel overland as far as 20
kilometers. If from Gorontalo City, it is about 8 kilometers to the location. You can drive a four-
wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle. Travel time from Gorontalo City is about 30 minutes.
From the foot of the hill, there are 1,000 steps to get to the top. Or you can park directly
in front of the fort. Visitors will be charged an entrance ticket of 5,000 rupiah and can enjoy the
atmosphere of Otanaha Fort.