Skip to main content
Why you should visit Kilwa Kisiwani
Together with the nearby Songo Mnara, Kilwa Kisiwani
bears the marks of the earliest infiltration of Islam in East Africa.
Both sites have mosque remains with Kilwa Kisani housing a large dome
structure called the Great Mosque, the oldest mosque in East Africa . Originally built in the 13th century, construction on the mosque was completed in the 15th century. A large palace known as Husuni Kubwa is
also one of the buildings worth seeing in the Kilwa Kisiwani. The
palace which was abandoned before completion, was originally built
by Sultan al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman in the 14th century. Another building
worth seeing on the island is the Gereza (prison)
constructed on the ruins of a Portuguese fort. Besides the buildings,
the collection of ancient Chinese and Islamic artifacts make visiting
the site worthwhile.
Comments
Post a Comment