Anglican Cathedral & Slave Market
A powerful historical site in Zanzibar, featuring a cathedral built on the former slave market grounds, offering a sobering look at the past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective atmosphere
Anglican Cathedral & Slave Market
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A powerful historical site in Zanzibar, featuring a cathedral built on the former slave market grounds, offering a sobering look at the past.
"A sobering and thought-provoking experience, a reminder of inhumanity and a call for justice."
🤝 Hire a Guide
Guides offer invaluable historical context and personal stories. They can also be hired for Stone Town walking tours.
😔 Prepare for Emotion
This is a sobering site. Be ready for a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Former Slave Market Dungeons
Underground chambers
Witness the cramped conditions where enslaved people were held. A stark and moving testament to the brutality of the past.
Anglican Cathedral
Above the former market site
A beautiful tribute built by missionaries who fought against the slave trade. Its architecture offers a poignant contrast.
Slave Trade Exhibits
Museum displays
Informative displays, pictures, and stories from survivors that detail the horrific realities of the slave trade.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Hire a Guide
Guides offer invaluable historical context and personal stories. They can also be hired for Stone Town walking tours.
😔 Prepare for Emotion
This is a sobering site. Be ready for a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the history, but be mindful of the sensitive nature of the site.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
There's a modest admission fee, which contributes to the site's upkeep. Donations are also welcome.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Hire a Guide
Guides offer invaluable historical context and personal stories. They can also be hired for Stone Town walking tours.
😔 Prepare for Emotion
This is a sobering site. Be ready for a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the history, but be mindful of the sensitive nature of the site.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
There's a modest admission fee, which contributes to the site's upkeep. Donations are also welcome.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Anglican Cathedral & Slave Market a deeply moving and historically significant site, offering crucial insights into Zanzibar's past. While the guided tours are praised for their informative nature, some note the tour can feel a bit rushed. The site serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of the slave trade and the efforts towards its abolition.
"A good place to start getting a glimpse of Zanzibar history and how it was mostly centered on slaves, and how slave business continued even after it was officially abolished. You pay an admission ticket at the entrance and are given a guide. The tour was a bit short and the information rushed, probably because we were the only 2 people assigned to our guide, but we managed to see the main points of this establishment."
Razvan S
"Great place to go to understand the history of Zanzibar (the slavery and ivory trade, the church and influences on the culture). You are given a verified private tour guide once you pay the entrance fee and the guide gives you lots of info and you are free to ask questions. The guides are also available to hire for a walking tour of Stone Town if there are other sites you want to see."
Connie O
"My visit to the Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral in Zanzibar, Tanzania, was a sobering and thought-provoking experience. The site was formerly a slave market, where thousands of enslaved Africans were bought and sold during the 19th century.
The history of the site is presented in a clear and informative way, with displays and exhibits that detail the brutal reality of the slave trade. The guided tour was insightful and provided a greater understanding of the horrific conditions that the enslaved people were subjected to.
The Anglican Cathedral, which now stands on the site of the former slave market, is a beautiful and striking building that provides a fitting tribute to the victims of the slave trade. The architecture is impressive, with high ceilings, stained glass windows, and intricate details.
Overall, my visit to the Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral was a powerful and moving experience that left a lasting impression. It is a reminder of the inhumanity and cruelty of the slave trade and serves as a call to action to continue to work towards a more just and equitable society. I highly recommend a visit to this historic site for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Zanzibar and the impact of the slave trade."
Edwin Nyagano
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Anglican Cathedral & Slave Market is centrally located in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It's easily accessible on foot from most hotels within Stone Town. If you're arriving from outside Stone Town, you can take a taxi to the heart of the city and then walk to the site.
Yes, it's a well-known historical landmark in Stone Town. Look for signs pointing to the Anglican Cathedral or the former Slave Market. It's often mentioned in walking tours of the area.
Yes, if you are on the island of Zanzibar, local dala-dalas (minibuses) can take you to Stone Town from various parts of the island. From the Stone Town bus terminal, it's a short walk to the cathedral.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small entrance fee to access the museum and exhibits. The exact amount can vary, but it's generally considered inconsequential for the historical value provided.
No, advance booking is typically not required. You can purchase your admission ticket at the entrance upon arrival.
Yes, verified private tour guides are available once you pay the entrance fee. They provide in-depth information about the history of the slave trade and the site.
The opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or arrive in the morning to ensure you have ample time to explore.
Yes, donations are accepted and help in the preservation and upkeep of this important historical site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see exhibits detailing the brutal history of the slave trade, including pictures and accounts from survivors. The underground dungeons where enslaved people were held are a particularly impactful part of the visit.
Absolutely. The guides offer crucial context and insights that significantly enhance the understanding of the site's history and its impact.
The site deals with sensitive and difficult historical topics. Parental discretion is advised, as the content can be emotionally challenging for younger visitors.
A visit can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend with the exhibits and your guide. Some find the tour a bit short, so allow extra time for reflection.
The cathedral stands on the site of the former slave market and was built by missionaries who were instrumental in the abolition of the slave trade. It serves as a memorial and a symbol of hope.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Some specific exhibits might have restrictions.
The exterior of the Anglican Cathedral offers striking architectural shots. Inside, the stained glass windows and the altar are photogenic. Be mindful when photographing exhibits.
While not explicitly stated, it's best to avoid intrusive photography, especially in areas where visitors might be deeply affected by the exhibits. Always be respectful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiring a guide who can tailor their explanations to be more accessible for younger audiences. The exhibits and dungeons, while stark, can be powerful learning tools about human rights and historical injustices. Ensure your children understand the importance of respectful behavior at such a significant memorial site.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Engaging with the site's guides is highly recommended, as they offer detailed narratives and can answer complex historical questions. The exhibits, though sometimes sparse due to lost relics, provide valuable context. This site is crucial for anyone looking to grasp the multifaceted history of Zanzibar beyond its beautiful beaches.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Slave Trade in Zanzibar
The Anglican Cathedral, built on the site of the former slave market, stands as a powerful symbol of this historical struggle. Its construction by missionaries who actively campaigned against slavery underscores the transition from a place of immense suffering to one of remembrance and hope. The site now serves as a crucial educational resource, offering visitors a profound glimpse into a dark chapter of human history and the ongoing fight for human rights.
Visiting the Anglican Cathedral & Slave Market is more than just sightseeing; it's an educational and emotional journey. The exhibits and the preserved dungeons provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to understand the scale of the atrocities and the resilience of those who endured them. It’s a vital stop for anyone seeking to comprehend Zanzibar's complex history and its lasting impact.
The Role of the Anglican Cathedral
Inside, the cathedral's architecture is a testament to its era, featuring high ceilings, stained glass windows, and an altar that serves as a focal point for reflection. It stands not only as a place of worship but also as a memorial to the countless lives lost and the suffering endured during the era of slavery. The presence of the cathedral on this site is a constant reminder of the progress made and the ongoing need to uphold human dignity and freedom.
Visitors often find the juxtaposition of the cathedral's serene beauty with the grim history of the slave market to be deeply moving. It offers a space for contemplation and a chance to honor the victims, while also celebrating the triumph of humanitarian efforts. The cathedral is an integral part of the historical narrative of Zanzibar, symbolizing a profound shift from oppression to liberation.
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