"Zanzibari Doors" Zanzibar Island Things to Do Tip by jackfruit

Zanzibar Island Things to Do: 150 reviews and 207 photos

  Zanzibar door outside the Sultan's Palace
by jackfruit
 
 

As you walk the streets of Zanzibar town, especially in Stonetown, you will see ornate wooden doors dating back hundreds of years.

Most of these doors were carved by local artisans. Indian and Arabic influence can both be seen in these ornately carved wooden doors.

Each door is unique and was meant to reflect the socio-economic status and religious beliefs of the house or store owner. Some doors have koranic verses on them, some others with brass ornamentation were imported from India.

One of the most impressive doors is one of gigantic proportions that serves as the entrance to the Sultan's Palace (now a museum). It has impressive brass spokes in it and distinctly Indian in design.

Address: Alleys of Stonetown and Zanzibar Town

Review Helpfulness: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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  • Written Feb 27, 2004
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jackfruit

“Too often ... would men boast only of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen.”

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