MARUHUBI'S PALACE RUINS
Go there and contact
This palace near a small beach was intended to house the nearly 100 women of the sultan chosen among the slaves.
This palace facing the Indian Ocean was purchased by Sultan Saïd Barghash in the XIXᵉ century from a notable Arab of the Mahurubis tribe, who gave it his name. Rebuilt in 1880, it symbolized the power and opulence of the Sultanate of Zanzibar. Conceived as a place of pleasure and retreat, it housed nearly a hundred women, all destined for the sultan, most of them Nubian or Omani slaves. According to local legend, the sultan demanded that they swim naked in the palace pool, a daily spectacle he would never forego. The story goes that in 1899, when a fire devastated part of the building, these women took advantage of the chaos to escape and regain their freedom.
Today, only a few imposing stone columns and sections of wall bear witness to the palace's former splendor. The palace, once adorned with imported marble, precious woodwork and gilding, was plundered after the revolution of 1964, which put an end to the sultanate. Visitors can still discover the Persian-style baths, organized into several rooms: areas reserved for women and, separately, the sultan's main room. Surrounding the site is a vast garden planted with mango trees from India, some of which still survive. Wide lawns recall the ceremonial paths, and ancient cisterns, now overgrown with water lilies, complete the romantic decor of this place steeped in history.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on MARUHUBI'S PALACE RUINS
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Find unique holiday offers with our partners
