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- Destinations
- Africa
- Tanzania
- Zanzibar
- Old Fort
Old Fort
Built at the turn of the 17th century on the remains of a
Portuguese church and crumbling Arab garrison, the burly Old Fort
was constructed to fend off the enterprising Portuguese seafarers
and Mazrui Arabs of Mombassa keen to gain power of the industrious
'Spice Island'. The Mazrui Arabs launched an attack in 1754 coming
off unsuccessfully against the stoic Old Fort. The thick caramel
walls and castellated battlements later acted as a place of
incarceration, detaining locals and slaves. In later years the fort
functioned as the depot for the Bububu railway, Zanzibar's first
railway, travelling from Zanzibar Town to Bububu, which is no
longer in existence. Nowadays the Old Fort houses shops and henna
painting stores and the Cultural Centre where visitors can marvel
at the fine artistry of local craftsmen at work. In the evening
local music and dancing at the open-air theatre brightens up the
night and occasional film screenings are shown.
Information & Facts
Address
Sukokuu Street, Stone Town
Admission
Language
Swahili and English are the official languages. Several
indigenous languages are also spoken.
Money
The official unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS),
divided into 100 cents. The tourism industry prices everything in
US Dollars and they are the preferred unit of currency. Major
currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns. Foreign exchange
bureaux in the main towns usually offer a better rate on travellers
cheques than do the banks. ATMs are available in major cities only.
Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept
credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a 10%
surcharge.
Opening Times
Time