12 Famous Buildings In East Africa
East Africa is the perfect region for travel lovers to visit. Home to spectacular landscapes, vivid greenery, and heavenly beaches, the region is ideal for nature lovers. Tourists can enjoy safaris and game drives, watching amazing wildlife and meeting people from across the world. Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Kenya are also home to beautiful architecture and historic buildings and monuments that one can see. Here are 12 famous buildings in East Africa that tourists should visit:
- Jamia Mosque, Nairobi
In Nairobi, Kenya, Jamia Mosque is one of the most prominent religious spots in the country. The beautiful structure was built between 1902 and 1906 in an Arab style, with minarets, use of marble, three silver domes, and inscriptions of the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. The mosque is important to the Muslims of Kenya, so visitors should be respectful and dress modestly.
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Dar Es Salaam
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a Gothic church located in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The Roman Catholic Cathedral was built in the early 1900s by the Germans. It faces the harbour and is a great spot for a guided tour. Tourists can admire the beautiful architecture, and the stained glass windows behind the altar.
- Great Mosque, Kilwa Kisiwani
Travellers can visit the historic island of Kilwa Kisiwani in Tanzania where the Great Mosque is one of the earliest remaining mosque structures in East Africa. The northern prayer hall was built in the 11th and 12th centuries, and was enlarged in the 14th century. The roof has domes, of which the Great Dome, also known as the Kilwa Chronicle, is said to be the first dome in East Africa.
- Fort Jesus, Mombasa
The breathtaking Mombasa Island in Kenya is home to Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 1590s. The fort had Renaissance architecture but was ruled by the Portugese, the Omani Arabs, and the British before 1895. One can see ancient cannons, inscriptions of the Quran, and stone pillars.
- Old Fort, Stone Town
One of Zanzibar’s best tourist attractions is a historic building called Old Fort which is located in Stone Town. Overlooking the deep blue ocean, the fort was built by Omani Arabs in 1698. Tourists can explore the ancient structure, or go to the open air amphitheatre which is now used for local shows and events.
- Old German Boma, Bagamoyo
In Bagamoyo, Tanzania, one can visit the Old German Boma, a historic building that was built by the German as their state house in the late 19th century. After the First World War, the building was used by the British as offices.
- Palace Museum, Zanzibar
Palace Museum, a famous building in Zanzibar, used to be the sultan’s palace in the late 1800s, but is now a museum dedicated to the 19th century sultanate. Home to royal paraphernalia such as closets, thrones, portraits, and banqueting tables, the museum is a popular tourist spot in the Zanzibar archipelago.
- Malindi Mosque, Zanzibar
Another great building in East Africa is Malindi Mosque, which dates back to the 15th Century. The mosque has a beautiful architecture that shows its deep cultural history, including a unique cone shaped minaret.
- Bunge, Dodoma
Dodoma, the political capital of Tanzania, is home to Bunge, the Parliamentary buildings of the country. Tourists can visit the African styled buildings during sessions, although they must carry passports in order to enter.
- Gaddafi Mosque, Dodoma
Dodoma is home to Gaddafi Mosque, a pink mosque with space for up to 4500 worshippers, situated at the centre of the city. This beautifully designed mosque is one of the largest in East Africa and attracts lots of visitors!
- Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi
The 28 storey Kenyatta International Conference Centre is a major landmark of the city. KICC has held many local and international events and conferences such as the 1973 World Bank Conference, and the 2008 Inter-parliamentary Union summit. The building often hosts exhibitions, and other activities.
- African Heritage House
In Kenya, a famous building that tourists must visit is African Heritage House. Here, tourists can enjoy tours, have meals at the rooftop or the pool, attend conferences, stay in luxurious rooms, or admire African art! The building is next to Nairobi National Park and is a beautiful and artistic place for one to stay at.
