House of Wonders

The House of Wonders or Palace of Wonders is a landmark building in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is the largest and tallest building of Stone Town and occupies a prominent place facing the Forodhani Gardens on the old town's seafront, in Mizingani Road. It is located between the Old Fort and the Palace Museum.

*House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib)* History - Built in 1883 by Sultan Bargash bin Said - Served as a palace and a repository for Zanzibar's treasures - Damaged by British warship HMS Philomel in 1896 - Restored in 2010-2012 Attractions for Tourists 1. *Exhibition halls*: Showcasing Zanzibar's history, culture, and natural environment 2. *Historic artifacts*: Including furniture, jewelry, and other relics from the palace 3. *Zanzibar's oldest elevator*: Built in 1883, it's one of the oldest in Africa 4. *Panoramic views*: Of Stone Town and the harbor from the top floor Food and Beverages 1. *Traditional Zanzibari cuisine*: Including dishes like urojo (a spicy soup), mandazi (fried doughnuts), and chapati (flatbread) 2. *Seafood*: Fresh catches from the Indian Ocean, often served grilled or in curries 3. *Local fruits*: Like mangoes, coconuts, and pineapples 4. *Coffee and tea*: Served in traditional cafes and restaurants Tips for Visitors 1. *Dress modestly*: Respect local customs and traditions 2. *Remove shoes*: When entering the palace or mosques 3. *Respect local rules*: No photography in certain areas, and no touching of artifacts 4. *Haggle politely*: When shopping in local markets The House of Wonders is a must-visit attraction in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Its rich history, cultural significance, and stunning architecture make it an unforgettable experience.

The House of Wonders has unfortunately seen better days it is now in desperate need of repair and lightbulbs. Many exhibits and some of the upper corridors are very poorly lit. It's still worth a visit if only for the experience of pushing open the biggest set of doors you'll ever step through. Also right outside is a guy selling cold drinks who I bargained the hire of his bicycle for $5 for an hour, an excellent way to look around the town.

Beit-al-abaij. It is closed now. I can't wait for it to reopen. Make sure to have a local guide you.

Palace Museum not sure if knows as House of Wonders holds the richest history's of Zanzibar in a political and historical Sense It has well reserved treaties and original painted antiques of the sultans and the queen which were given as gifts by various famous Austrian Artist and have been in place since 1800's till date hence if you planning your trip to the beautiful island of Zanzibar be sure to be able to visit the Palace museum just next to the ferry and can be seen on your entry to stone town via the ferry as well. Has a perfect view of all the four islands next to it,Prison Island being the most famous of all.

|The House of Wonders was once the most modern building in East Africa—it was the first building to have electricity and an elevator—and it mixes elements of European style and Zanzibari tradition by including cast iron columns, elaborate door carvings, coral rag, open central courtyards, and mangrove ceilings that together form a truly unique architectural achievement. Just next to it is the Palace Museum, built by the second sultan of Zanzibar in 1883, which is an opulent palace comprised of beautiful marble flooring, coral stone walls, and silver decorations. The palace was built in the Omani style as an extravagant Arab mansion, and holds many relics that offer a rare glimpse of a past era. The House of Wonders and Palace Museum have been converted into popular cultural destinations; the House of Wonders presents exhibitions dedicated to Swahili culture and the Palace Museum highlights its ties to Zanzibar's Omani history. | Location: Unguja Island, Zanzibar city Tanzania. #Tanzania #songosongoisland #fanjove #kilwa #lindi #fanjoveprivateisland #zanzibar #daresalaam #canoneos #5dsr #holiday #traveling #travelphotography #travel #sunset #sunrise #houseofwonder #unguja #ungujaIsland #pembaisland #SaadaniNationalPark #SaadaniSafariLodge

If you are visiting Zanzibar, Beit Al Ajaib or the House of Wonders is a Must to visit which will take you through the time travel. Zanzibar authorities preserved the place very nicely. The terrace overlooking the sea is simply refreshing and shall make you melancholy.

It is one of six palaces built by Barghash bin Said, second Sultan of Zanzibar, and it is said to be located on the site of the 17th-century palace of Zanzibari queen Fatuma.[1] The House of Wonders currently houses the Museum of History and Culture of Zanzibar and the Swahili Coast.