Christ Church, Zanzibar

Christ Church is a coral stone cathedral in Stone Town featuring a tall spire and blending Victorian Gothic style with Saracenic elements and Arts and Crafts details. The interior displays intricate wooden carvings and stained glass windows that cast colored light throughout the space.

The building was constructed in 1879 on the site of a former slave market, following the sultan's closure order in 1873. This location marks a profound shift in Zanzibar's history from suffering to hope.

The church serves as a spiritual center for the local Anglican community and draws visitors interested in understanding the site's transformation from a place of suffering to one of worship. People who visit today often reflect on how the building represents healing and remembrance for the island.

The building opens for services on Sundays and welcomes visitors during these times. The site is accessible for people with mobility challenges and sits in the heart of Stone Town, making it easy to reach on foot.

The altar sits exactly where the main whipping post of the former slave market once stood. Additionally, a cross inside was crafted from the wood of the tree under which David Livingstone was buried.

Location: Zanzibar Islands

Location: Mjini District

Inception: 1879

Architects: Charles Forster Hayward

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: Anglican Church Tanzania - Diocese of Zanzibar

Part of: Stone Town

Opening Hours: Sunday 06:30-08:00, 08:00-09:15, 09:30-11:30, 16:30-18:00

GPS coordinates: -6.16293,39.19252

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:45