Old Fort
About This Museum
If you wander down Mizingani Road, right along the old sea wall, you can't miss the heavy stone presence of the Old Fort. It's a proper relic from Zanzibar's turbulent past, built by Omani Arabs to fend off the Portuguese. These days, the air inside those ancient walls is filled with the chatter of souvenir vendors and the scent of spices rather than gunpowder. Come evening, the central courtyard often comes alive with music and dancing, making it more of a community hub than a silent monument.
Collection Highlights
You won't find glass cases here; the main attraction is the fort itself. The thick, coral rag walls enclose a large, open courtyard where local artisans set up their stalls. Keep an eye on the small amphitheatre—it frequently hosts everything from traditional Taarab music nights to open-air film screenings during festivals.
Visitor Information
There's no entrance fee, which makes it an easy stop on a stroll through Stone Town. The best time to visit is late afternoon; you can explore the grounds before things get busy and then stay for whatever evening entertainment might be happening.
Architecture & Building
It's a classic example of a 17th-century Omani fortification—a massive, square structure with towering, crenellated walls made from local coral stone and lime mortar, featuring rounded bastions at each corner.
Contact & Location
Address: Mizingani Road, Malindi, Mjini, Unguja Mjini Magharibi, Zanzibar زنجبار, 71103, Tanzania
Phone: +255 24 223 8516
