Historical buildings in Zanzibar City

Zanzibar Architectural Treasures

Zanzibar City’s architecture is a living record of its cosmopolitan history, blending African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. This collection explores the evolution of the city's skyline, from the 17th-century Omani fortifications of the Old Fort to the intricate Indian-influenced carvings of the Old Dispensary. Beyond the UNESCO-listed Stone Town, the list highlights 20th-century Art Deco structures, modernist government buildings, and historic mosques that illustrate Zanzibar's transition from a major Indian Ocean trading hub to a modern urban center.

Zanzibar Architectural Treasures — Map

Matthias Krämer / Public domain

A

Old Fort

The Old Fort, also known as the Arab Fort and by other names, is a fortification located in Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar.

B

Old Dispensary

Old Dispensary or the Old Dispensary may refer to:

Ad Meskens / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Livingstone House

David Livingstone was a Scottish physician, Congregationalist, pioneer Christian missionary with the London Missionary Society, and an…

D

Lemky building

A notable example of Art Deco architecture in Zanzibar, reflecting the early 20th-century transition in the city's urban design.

E

Msikiti Makuti

A Sunni mosque featuring eclectic architectural elements, serving as a significant place of worship within the local community.

F

CCM Maskan

A political meeting space constructed in traditional Swahili architectural style.

G

Kisimamajongoo Sportsclub

A community sports club building showcasing traditional Swahili architectural influences.

H

Zanzibar Trade Union

A historic building reflecting Omani architectural styles, once central to the island's labor organization.

I

CCM Brunch

A local political branch office featuring an eclectic blend of architectural styles.

J

CCM Brunch

A political administrative building designed with Swahili architectural characteristics.

K

Muemberikunda

A modernist mosque and place of worship, illustrating the mid-20th-century architectural shift in Zanzibar.

L

Masjid Mabluu

Also known as the Blue Mosque, this place of worship features a unique eclectic design.

M

Rama Leo

A building demonstrating the eclectic architectural heritage found outside the main historic core of Stone Town.

N

Al-madrassat Taalim

An Islamic school building designed with traditional Swahili architectural elements.

O

ZSTC Investment Building

The Zanzibar State Trading Corporation building, featuring an eclectic architectural style.

P

House #1

A representative example of modernist residential architecture in Zanzibar.

Q

Madema Police Station

A government facility designed in the modernist architectural style.

R

Slavery Memorial

Located on the site of the former slave market, this memorial features poignant stone sculptures of enslaved people created by Clara Sörnäs.

S

Old Band Stand

A colonial-era structure located in Forodhani Gardens, historically used for public musical performances.

T

Revolutionary Tower

A monumental tower and monument commemorating Zanzibar's revolutionary political history.

Other Lists

Zanzibar City Unmissables Zanzibar Museums & Galleries Zanzibar's Spiritual Heritage