Old Fort of Zanzibar
TThe Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe: in Kiswahili), also known as the Arab Fort, is a fortification located in Stone Town, the Capital City of Zanzibar Islands. It is the oldest building and a major visitor’s attraction of Stone Town. It is located on the main seafront, adjacent to another landmark building of the city, the House of Wonders (former palace of the Sultan of Zanzibar), and facing the Forodhani Gardens.
The Old Fort of Stone Town on the island of Zanzibar was one of the few great colonial era forts that was not constructed by a European power. It was built in the 17th Century by the Omani's Sultanate, on the site of a Portuguese Chapel.
The oldest building in Zanzibar was meant to shield the Arabs from the Portuguese and then as a prison and execution point. The Fort is part of the Stone Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Old Fort has been used to host major events such as the Festival of dhow countries and SautiZaBusara Festival. There are many shops and a restaurant inside and at night there are often Taarab, Ngoma (local styles of music and dance) or movie nights. It has been used over the years to sell curios and handcrafts such as the infamous tinagtinga paintings.
During Festivals, Old Fort accommodates thousands of tourists to enjoy the traditions and African culture while the products from arts are one of the measure business on the events. It also has an open-air amphitheater where live dance and music shows are held most evenings. The place has Restaurants and shop which sales handcrafts.
