Minas Tirith is the fortified city that serves as Gondor’s capital in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
The city stands in the eastern part of Gondor, beneath Mount Mindolluin. Its name means “Tower of Guard” in Sindarin. Tolkien describes it as a city built in seven levels, with defensive walls and a citadel at the summit. The White Tree of Gondor grows in the highest court.
Minas Tirith becomes the main target of Sauron’s assault during the War of the Ring. The Battle of the Pelennor Fields is fought outside its walls, and the city’s defense is closely linked to the return of Aragorn as king.
A frequent mix-up involves Minas Tirith and Minas Morgul. Minas Morgul was originally Minas Ithil, a Gondorian city that fell under the control of Sauron’s forces. Osgiliath was another major Gondorian city, but it was not the capital during the events of The Lord of the Rings.