THE OLD FORT
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This old fort was used as a military barracks and depot for the construction of the railroad in Stone Town.
Also known as Ngome Kongwe, the old fort was built between 1710 and 1715 by the Arabs of Oman led by the first Sultan Said, then in the midst of reconquering the island, on the site of a chapel erected by the Portuguese. The idea was of course to protect the island from a possible attack by the ousted, which happened only once with the help of the Mazrui, an Arab people from Mombasa in Kenya, who were allies of the Portuguese. It was used as a prison in the 19th century, when public punishments and executions were held in front of the eastern wall of the fort. It was also used as a military barracks and as a depot for the construction of the Stone Town - Bububu railway decided by Sultan Bargach. The fort was later renovated by the British, who even transformed the part now covered with grass into a Tennis Club for distinguished ladies! It fell into disuse after the revolution and was restored by the city. Today, you can enter the fort, climb the wall of the oldest part, buy souvenirs or have a drink at the café there. You can also simply come and rest in its semicircular amphitheatre where, during the day and in the evening, dance and music groups come to rehearse. In fact, the old fort often hosts musical performances (ngoma and taarab). At the end of July, the Sauti Za Busara festival of traditional African and Arab music, song and dance, the Festival of the Dhow Countries, an international film festival, and the Jahari Literary & Jazz Festival are held here.
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