In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, what city is the capital of Gondor?

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Minas Tirith is the capital city of Gondor. The city stands beside the White Mountains and becomes the principal stronghold of the kingdom during the War of the Ring.

Minas Tirith was originally called Minas Anor, meaning “Tower of the Sun.” After Minas Ithil was captured by Sauron’s forces and renamed Minas Morgul, Minas Anor became known as Minas Tirith, “Tower of Guard.”

The city is built on several levels around a rocky spur, with the Citadel at the highest point. Its white walls and prominent tower give it the descriptive name “the White City.”

Readers sometimes confuse Minas Tirith with Osgiliath, another important Gondorian city. Osgiliath was the former capital and lay farther east, across the Anduin, while Minas Tirith served as Gondor’s capital during the events of The Lord of the Rings.