Stone Town: A Short History of Zanzibar's Old City
With its narrow streets, carved wooden doors and call to prayer echoing over the rooftops, Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Here is its story in five minutes.
A crossroads of the Indian Ocean
For centuries, the monsoon winds brought traders from Arabia, Persia and India to the East African coast. Their meeting with African cultures gave birth to the Swahili language and culture you still feel in every street.
The city of the Sultans
In 1840, Sultan Said bin Sultan of Oman moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar. Clove plantations made the island one of the richest places in the region, and the Sultans built palaces along the seafront.
A painful past
Zanzibar was also the main slave market of East Africa. The market was closed in 1873, and the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral was built on its site. Today a moving memorial and museum tell this story. A visit is an essential part of understanding the island.
The shortest war in history
On 27 August 1896, the Anglo-Zanzibar War lasted about 38 minutes, the shortest war ever recorded. In 1964, after independence and a revolution, Zanzibar joined Tanganyika to form today's Tanzania.
What to see today
The carved doors: square Arab doors and Indian doors with brass studs.
The House of Wonders: built in 1883, the first building in East Africa with electricity and a lift (under restoration).
Freddie Mercury's house: the Queen singer was born in Stone Town in 1946.
Forodhani Gardens: the night food market by the sea, perfect at sunset.
Prison Island: a short boat ride away, home to giant tortoises more than 100 years old.
Visit Stone Town with us
Our Stone Town + Spice Farm tour combines a guided walk with a visit to a local spice farm. Or choose the full day Prison Island + Nakupenda + Stone Town, with a barbecue on the sandbank.
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