Stone Town - Old Fort

The Old Fort is also known as Arab Fort or Ngome Kongwe and is located near Beit el-Ajaib. Built as a fortified structure in 1560, the Old Fort is the oldest structure in Stone Town. Omani Arabs constructed the Old Fort to defend against attacks by the Portugese. The remains of an old Portugese church can be seen within the internal walls.

During the 19th C, it was used as a prison and later as a depot for the railway. Today a partially renovated portion houses the Zanzibar Cultural Center with an open-air theatre and art gallery. Traditional dance and music are performed here several times each week.