Old Fort of Zanzibar, Fort in Stone Town, Tanzania

The Old Fort is a square fortification in Stone Town with high brown walls topped by rounded merlons, built of rough stone blocks. Its facade has two rows of small recessed windows, and patches of dark plaster cover part of the right side. Inside, the courtyard holds remnants of a Portuguese church and an earlier Omani fortification.

It was built between 1698 and 1701 by Omani Arabs after they expelled Portuguese forces from the island. This construction marked a major shift in regional power and control of trade networks.

An open-air amphitheater inside the fort hosts performances and cultural events throughout the year, becoming a gathering place for the community and visitors. The space shows how this historical structure adapts to serve modern artistic and social needs.

The site is located on Mzingani Road near the House of Wonders and easily accessible on foot from the main streets. Inside you will find tourist information services, shops selling local crafts and spices, and shaded areas to rest during your visit.

The courtyard holds remnants of a Portuguese church and of an earlier Omani fortification, both predating the present walls. The fort also served as the Stone Town terminal of the Zanzibar railway from 1905 to 1928, and a guardhouse added in 1947 became a ladies' club.