The cultural and administrative heart of the exotic island of Zanzibar, the ancient Stone Town stands on the west coast of the island and is home to a host of historical buildings, a winding maze of streets and a range of good hotels and restaurants. Stone Town is also the base for the ferries bringing people and goods to and from the mainland and other islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago, and of course the main airport for Zanzibar lies just outside Stone Town.

 

A visit to Stone Town must include a wander through the narrow twisting alleys of the Old Town, where the influences of Arab, Indian, European and African styles can be seen in the architecture. Particularly notable are the large ornately carved doors and the enclosed wooden balconies leaning precariously out over your head as you pass beneath. Within this atmospheric part of town are old houses, shops, and mosques, and wandering through town you catch tantalising glimpses through open doorways into courtyards.

 

The must-see architectural sights in Stone Town includes the Beit-El-Ajaib, or House of Wonders, built by Sultan Seyyid Barghash. Standing on the seafront, this imposing structure is now a museum with an interesting display of local exhibits. The other well-known building in Stone Town is the Old Fort by Fordhani gardens - once a fort, then a prison, now a tourist attraction and venue for the well known Zanzibar Music Festival among other events, the fort is well worth a visit.

 

For more information on visiting Stone Town, Zanzibar contact us.