Stone Town, Zanzibar by Amani Tours Size: 13 sq km (8 sq miles). Location: Western Unguja Island, Zanzibar. Stone Town or Mji Mkongwe, in Swahili meaning "ancient town", is the capitol city of Zanzibar on the main island of Unguja, formally known as Zanzibar. Mji Mkongwe is built on a triangular peninsula of land on the western coast of the island. The oldest part of the stone town consists of a warren of narrow alleys to houses, shops, bazaars, and mosques. Its Swahili architecture incorporates elements of Arab, Persian, Indian, European and African styles. The Arab houses are particularly notable because they have large and ornately carved wooden doors and other unusual features such as enclosed wooden verandas. In 2006, its population was 282,163. Portuguese invasion and control of the Swahili Coast in the late 16th
... read more