Sofala, Archaeological site in Sofala Province, Mozambique
Located at the mouth of the Sofala River, this ancient settlement contains remnants of structures dating back to the early trading networks in East Africa.
The site gained prominence in 1505 when Portuguese explorer Pedro de Anaia established a fort to control regional gold trade routes from inland Zimbabwe.
Archaeological evidence reveals extensive Islamic influences through recovered artifacts, indicating strong connections with Arab and Persian trading communities before European arrival.
The archaeological remains extend across multiple excavation zones, with guided tours available through the Mozambique Department of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage.
The location served as southern Africa's primary harbor from 915 to 1890, facilitating trade between African kingdoms and maritime merchants from Asia and Europe.
Location: Sofala
GPS coordinates: -20.15000,34.71667
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:49
Mozambique offers photographers white sand beaches, coral reefs, historic buildings and national parks. The coastal region features lighthouses and shipwrecks. The interior reveals mountains and reservoirs.
Gorongosa National Park
155.7 km
Mount Nyangani
284.9 km
Monte Binga
178 km
Nyanga National Park
298.4 km
Mutarazi Falls
274.3 km
Bazaruto National Park
185.8 km
Armando Emilio Guebuza Bridge
270.4 km
Chimanimani National Reserve
174.8 km
Fort São Caetano
5.6 km
Casa dos Bicos
37.4 km
Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Beira
37 km
Chimanimani National Park
196.9 km
Bazaruto Lighthouse
173.5 km
Angwa Sandstone Formation
276.5 km
Farol do Macuti
39.2 km
Moribane Forest
153.6 km
Mount Zembe
173.8 km
Cinema São Jorge
36.8 km
Cinema Montalto
174 km
Cine-Teatro Olympia
37.7 km
Standard Bank Building (Beira)
37.5 km
Beira townhall
37.2 km
Edifício do Almoxarifado (Beira)
37.9 km
Mercado Gorjão
37.5 km
Escola de Artes e Ofícios (Beira)
37 km
Holy Trinity Cathedral, Mutare
251 km
Grémio dos Empregados da Companhia de Moçambique
38.7 km
Beira Club
37.9 kmReviews
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