Stone Town of Zanzibar
Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Year of Inscription: 2000
Criteria: (ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Stone Town of Zanzibar is a historic town located on the western coast of Zanzibar Island, in Tanzania. It is famous for its unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European cultural influences. The town was a center of the slave trade in the 19th century and has a rich history and diverse architecture.
Prominent Features: The Stone Town of Zanzibar is known for its narrow streets, unique architecture, and historical buildings. Some of the most prominent features of the town include:
History: The Stone Town of Zanzibar has a rich history as a center of trade and commerce. It was an important hub for the spice trade in the 19th century and was also a center of the East African slave trade. Today, the town is a vibrant cultural center and a popular tourist destination.
Fun Fact: The Stone Town of Zanzibar was the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the band Queen.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the narrow streets and alleys of the town, visit the House of Wonders and other historical sites, and sample local street food at the Forodhani Gardens.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Stone Town of Zanzibar, but some historical sites may have a small fee for entry.
How to Reach It: The Stone Town of Zanzibar is located on Zanzibar Island, which can be reached by ferry or plane from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Once on the island, visitors can explore the town on foot.
Ferry: The most popular way to get to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam is by ferry. There are several ferry companies operating between the two cities, including Azam Marine, Sea Star, and Zanzibar Express. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the type of ferry and sea conditions.
Flight: There are several daily flights from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, operated by airlines such as Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, and ZanAir. The flight takes around 20-30 minutes.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses located in the Stone Town of Zanzibar, including the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, the Serena Hotel Zanzibar, and the Mashariki Palace Hotel. There are also several budget-friendly options available for those on a budget.
Next Stop: Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara
Year of Inscription: 2000
Criteria: (ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Stone Town of Zanzibar is a historic town located on the western coast of Zanzibar Island, in Tanzania. It is famous for its unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and European cultural influences. The town was a center of the slave trade in the 19th century and has a rich history and diverse architecture.
Prominent Features: The Stone Town of Zanzibar is known for its narrow streets, unique architecture, and historical buildings. Some of the most prominent features of the town include:
- House of Wonders: A large palace built in the late 19th century by Sultan Barghash. The palace was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and an elevator.
- Old Fort: A fort built in the 17th century by the Omanis. It was used as a prison until the 19th century and is now a popular cultural center.
- Forodhani Gardens: A public park located on the waterfront. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the sunset and sample local street food.
- The Anglican Cathedral: A historic cathedral built on the site of a former slave market. The cathedral is a reminder of Zanzibar's dark history as a center of the East African slave trade.
- The Old Dispensary: A building that once housed a pharmacy and is now a cultural center. It features a unique blend of Swahili, Indian, and European architectural styles.
History: The Stone Town of Zanzibar has a rich history as a center of trade and commerce. It was an important hub for the spice trade in the 19th century and was also a center of the East African slave trade. Today, the town is a vibrant cultural center and a popular tourist destination.
Fun Fact: The Stone Town of Zanzibar was the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the band Queen.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the narrow streets and alleys of the town, visit the House of Wonders and other historical sites, and sample local street food at the Forodhani Gardens.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Stone Town of Zanzibar, but some historical sites may have a small fee for entry.
How to Reach It: The Stone Town of Zanzibar is located on Zanzibar Island, which can be reached by ferry or plane from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Once on the island, visitors can explore the town on foot.
Ferry: The most popular way to get to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam is by ferry. There are several ferry companies operating between the two cities, including Azam Marine, Sea Star, and Zanzibar Express. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the type of ferry and sea conditions.
Flight: There are several daily flights from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, operated by airlines such as Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, and ZanAir. The flight takes around 20-30 minutes.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses located in the Stone Town of Zanzibar, including the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, the Serena Hotel Zanzibar, and the Mashariki Palace Hotel. There are also several budget-friendly options available for those on a budget.
Next Stop: Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara