Stone Town The Historic Capital of Zanzibar

Celebrated around the world for their beauty, beaches, and history the romantic islands of Zanzibar, Stone Town is the old city and cultural center of Zanzibar, which rose to prominence in the 17th century. Stone Town is jam-packed with historical architecture and a richethnic culture and in the towns narrow streets, every sight, everyglance conjures up the romantic past.

Celebratedaround the world for their beauty, beaches, and history the romanticislands of Zanzibar are under the influence of arabs especially one ofthe most attractive in Stone Town one of the island biggestattractions. Stone Town is the old city and cultural center ofZanzibar, which rose to prominence in the 17th century. the hauntinghistory of stone town is enough to make you shiver, the old slavecastle and market are reminders of what the island was most famous for.David Livingstone used Stone Town as his base for preparing for hisfinal expedition in 1866. Stone town is characterized by meanderingalleys and noisy bazaars and is one of the few intact historicalSwahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. Stone Town consists ofapproximately 2,500 buildings all made of coral stone, lime and clay,including 45 mosques, 2 christian churches and 4 hindu halls. SinceStone Town was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, severalbuildings have been renovated and restored by the duly appointed StoneTown conservation authority.

Stone Town is jam-packed with historical architecture and a richethnic culture and in the towns narrow streets, every sight, everyglance conjures up the romantic pasthowever, for most visitors Zanzibaris about the sea, the corals, and the dolphins. While visiting theislands you should schedule for the fascinating walk through Stone Townthat is rewarding. The contrast in Zanzibar between the main town area,Stone Town and the tourist venues on the islands are startling. As youwalk through the town, please remember that stone town is very much areal community, where real people live and work. Narrow alleyways,intricately carved doors and ornate balconies is what makes Stone Towna popular destination in Zanzibar. You will lose your bearings here forsure, but getting lost in Stone Town is normal, fun and harmless. Keyattractions in stone town include the old dispensary, Livingstoneshouse, the peace memorial museum, the palace museum, the Arab fort andthe house of wonders (which translates from its local name, Beit elJaib). Beyond Stone Town clad in spice gardens are silver sandy beachesbejeweled by superb resorts.

The port area of Stone Town has one or two good wreck dives. I wouldsuggest maybe two day dives in and around stone town and then move tothe beaches and islands for the more exciting diving experiences.