Minas Tirith is the White City in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
Minas Tirith is the capital of Gondor and the principal stronghold resisting Sauron in the War of the Ring. It is built on the lower slopes of Mount Mindolluin and rises in seven levels, each protected by a wall. The city’s white stone and tiered structure give it the description “the White City.”
The city was originally called Minas Anor, meaning “Tower of the Sun.” After the fall of Isildur’s city, Minas Ithil, to the servants of Sauron, Minas Anor was renamed Minas Tirith, “Tower of Guard.” It became the chief seat of Gondor’s government and the residence of its ruling stewards.
Minas Tirith is sometimes confused with Minas Morgul, its former sister city. Minas Morgul is the “Tower of the Moon,” a corrupted fortress held by Sauron’s forces. Edoras, meanwhile, is the capital of Rohan and is associated with the Golden Hall of Meduseld.
The Battle of the Pelennor Fields takes place outside Minas Tirith.