Watamu - Gedi or Gede Ruins

Gedi Ruins was one of the ancient Arab towns located along the East African Coast from the late 13th or early 14th C. It was mysteriously abandoned in the early 17th C. The Great Mosque, the Palace, several residential houses and pillar tombs have been uncovered. Many of the buildings are near the entrance gate but others are scattered through the forest. An inner and outer wall surrounded the town of Gedi, most of the remains are located within the inner wall but there are some between the two walls.

The Great Mosque was originally built in the mid-15th C, and then rebuilt a century later. It is typical East African design with a mihrab facing Mecca and a ritual washing area. Located behind the Mosque is the Palace, thought to belong to the ruler of Gedi. The Palace features an arched doorway that leads to a reception court and a hall. Several smaller rooms are located off the hall including bathrooms and a kitchen with a small well. Another interesting feature is a pillar tomb, used for men of position and influence.

The houses in Gedi have a traditional Swahili pattern and have been named for their design or objects found within them. Some have ancient drawings on the plaster walls. Remains of bathrooms, complete with toilets, baths and basins can still be seen. A water system and a large number of wells are still visible on the site.

Ming Chinese porcelain and glass as well as glazed earthenware from Persia indicate trade links and a taste for luxury by those who were prosperous in Gedi. These items as well as Spanish scissors and Swahili cultural artifacts are on display in the on-site museum.