The Alte Feste (Old Fortress) is a fortress and museum in downtown Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. It was designed by Curt von François and made provision for an inner courtyard with high walls and accommodation for the troops on the inside, as well as four towers. Set on a hill above the city, the Fort was completed in 1890 during the German colonization of Namibia and is the oldest standing building in the city. The fort was never involved in any military action.
The Alte Feste was home to the imperial German Schutztruppe (colonial military force) until 1915. With the occupation of Windhoek by South African Union troops[1] in March 1915, it served as military headquarters for the South African Union troops.The Alte Feste was used for a more peaceful purpose when it was converted into a hostel for the Windhoek High School[2] in 1935 and was declared a National Monument in 1957. The building was renovated extensively in 1963 and again in 1986. Colonial Windhoek was developed around the Fort.[3]
The Alte Feste has been home to the historical section of the Windhoek State Museum since 1962.