Stone Town, also known as the Old Town, is the oldest part of Zanzibar City, the main city of Zanzibar in the Republic of Tanzania. Located on the western coast of Unguja Island, Stone Town is a place of great cultural and historical value. It reflects a mix of Arab, Indian, Persian, and European influences that shaped the island’s identity over the centuries.
Overview of Stone Town Zanzibar
Stone Town is a fascinating place filled with ancient palaces, bazaars, markets, mosques, gardens, churches, and narrow streets. It is located along the western coast where the main Zanzibar Archipelago lies.
The city is one of East Africa’s most historical destinations, known for its unique 19th-century architecture that showcases the development of Swahili culture. The combination of different cultural influences led to the creation of a distinct Swahili-Arabic identity that defines Zanzibar today.
In 2000, UNESCO declared Stone Town a World Heritage Site because of its cultural and architectural importance. It remains one of Tanzania’s top tourist attractions and a key contributor to Zanzibar’s tourism economy.
Architecture & Design
At the heart of Stone Town, you’ll find narrow alleys lined with houses, small shops, mosques, and bazaars. The streets are often too narrow for cars, so locals use motorbikes and bicycles to move around. As you approach the seafront, the roads become wider and the buildings more spacious.
Stone Town’s architecture is unique, blending African, Arab, Indian, and European styles. The city gets its name from the use of coral stone as the main building material, giving the town its warm reddish color.
Traditional houses in Stone Town often feature barazas—stone benches outside the walls—used as seating areas and raised sidewalks during heavy rain. Most houses also have verandas with carved wooden railings, reflecting traditional craftsmanship.
The Famous Zanzibar Doors
One of Stone Town’s most striking features is its decorated wooden doors. These doors are richly carved and sometimes fitted with brass studs, a design brought from India.
There are two main door styles:
- Indian doors, with rounded tops and detailed floral carvings.
- Arab doors, rectangular in shape, often with geometric and calligraphic designs.
Many carvings include Islamic symbols, such as the lotus flower, which represents prosperity.
Historical Buildings & Monuments
Most of Stone Town’s historical buildings are located along the seafront, including former sultans’ palaces, fortifications, mosques, and churches. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 80% of its 1,700 buildings are in need of repair. Restoration efforts are ongoing, mainly supported by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).
Location
Stone Town is situated on the western coast of Unguja Island and forms part of Zanzibar City, together with the newer Ng’ambo district. The two areas are divided by Creek Road. Stone Town is bordered by Bagamoyo to the south and faces the Indian Ocean to the west.
History
Stone Town’s history goes back to the early 16th century, when the Portuguese established a small fishing village in 1503. The town later grew under Arab traders and slave merchants who built elegant coral-stone houses, giving Stone Town its name.
Early Arab sea traders referred to the East African coast as the “Land of the Zeni,” believed to be the origin of the name Zanzibar.
In the 18th century, the Omani Arabs took control of the island, building the Old Fort, which still stands today. Many of the city’s buildings were designed in the Arab style, with families living close together and houses connected by small bridges and walkways.
By the 19th century, Stone Town had become a major trading hub for spices and slaves. In 1890, Zanzibar became a British protectorate under the Sultanate rulers, but tensions led to the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896—the shortest war in history, lasting only 45 minutes before the Sultan surrendered.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Stone Town was home to Arab, Indian, and European communities, with fewer Africans living in the old quarters. The Creek Road ferry once connected Stone Town with Ng’ambo before the route was filled in.
The slave trade was officially abolished in 1897, marking a major shift in Zanzibar’s economy.
The Zanzibar Revolution
In 1964, Stone Town played a major role in the Zanzibar Revolution, which ended the rule of the Sultan and led to the formation of a socialist government. After the revolution, most non-African residents left the island, leaving behind their homes and properties.
The new government converted many of these buildings into offices, schools, and public institutions.
In 2000, UNESCO officially listed Stone Town as a World Heritage Site, recognizing its deep cultural and historical significance.
History of Slave Trade in Stone Town
The history of Stone Town dates back to the 19th century, when the town got its name from the beautiful coral stone houses built by Arab traders and slave merchants. During this period, Stone Town became the main hub of the East African slave trade.
It is estimated that between 1830 and 1863, about 600,000 slaves were traded through Zanzibar, most of them sold to the Arab world and Indian Ocean markets. Slaves were captured from mainland Africa and brought to the island before being shipped overseas.
In 1863, a treaty was signed to end the slave trade, and both the British and Omani Sultans agreed to stop this practice. After the abolition, Stone Town became an important base for European explorers, including Dr. David Livingstone, who fought against slavery.
Today, visitors to Stone Town can still see buildings with ornate balconies, trellises, and carved wooden details, showing the mix of Arab, Indian, and European influences that shaped the city’s history.
Attractions in Stone Town
Beit-el-Ajaib (House of Wonders)
The House of Wonders, also known as Beit-el-Ajaib, was built in the 1870s for Sultan Barghash. Located along Mizingani Road on the Stone Town seafront, it is one of the most famous landmarks in Zanzibar. The building was the first in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator, and it now serves as a museum showcasing Zanzibar’s history and culture.
Nasur NurMohamed Dispensary
The Nasur NurMohamed Dispensary, built in 1887 by Thaira Thopen, one of Zanzibar’s wealthiest residents at the time, is another architectural highlight. It was among the first buildings in Stone Town to be renovated, and today it stands out for its beautiful balconies and carved decorations.
Anglican Cathedral
The Anglican Cathedral, built in 1873, was constructed by the British on the site of the former slave market. The altar stands where the whipping post once stood, serving as a strong reminder of Zanzibar’s dark past and the end of the slave trade.
Hamamni Persian Baths
Built between 1870 and 1888, the Hamamni Persian Baths are some of Zanzibar’s oldest public baths. They were used until 1920 and were named “Persian” because they were designed by Shirazi architects. The term “Hamamni” means “place of baths.” Visitors can explore the small rooms and see how the baths were heated using underground water channels.
St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cathedral
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph was built by French missionaries between 1893 and 1897. Its design was inspired by the Marseille Cathedral in France and features two tall spires that make it one of Stone Town’s most recognizable landmarks.
The Market
Stone Town’s main market is a lively bazaar filled with fresh produce, spices, seafood, and handmade crafts. It has a similar atmosphere to traditional North African markets, offering visitors an authentic local shopping experience.
The Old Fort
Located next to the House of Wonders, the Old Fort was built by the Omani Arabs in the 17th century to protect the island from invaders. Also known as the Omani Fort, it is the oldest building in Stone Town and now hosts shops, cultural performances, and an open-air theater.
Malindi Mosque
The Malindi Mosque is one of Stone Town’s oldest mosques. Built by the Sunni Muslim community, it is simple in design and known for its historic architecture and whitewashed walls.
Forodhani Gardens
The Forodhani Gardens are a small seaside park located in front of the Old Fort and House of Wonders. They were recently restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Every evening, the gardens come alive with a street food market, where visitors can enjoy grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, sugarcane juice, and other local delicacies.
Best Time to Visit Stone Town
Stone Town enjoys a warm climate all year round, making it suitable for travel at any time.
- The hottest months are from February to March.
- The cooler months are from September to November.
- The dry seasons, from December to February and June to August, are the best times to visit for sightseeing and beach holidays.
During these months, the weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and it’s easier to explore the narrow streets of Stone Town or relax along Zanzibar’s beaches.
Accommodation in Stone Town
There are many comfortable places to stay in Stone Town, ranging from budget hotels to luxury lodges. Popular options include:
Zanzibar Serena Inn, Zanzibar Coffee House, Swahili House Hotel, Africa House Hotel, Dhow Palace, Tembo House, and Fumba Beach Lodge.
Each of these hotels offers great hospitality, traditional Swahili-style architecture, and easy access to major attractions in Stone Town.
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