Dennis M.
Google
St. Joseph's Cathedral, located in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is a significant historical and architectural landmark. Constructed by French missionaries between 1893 and 1898, the cathedral's design was inspired by the Marseille Cathedral in France, evident in its prominent twin spires that dominate Stone Town's skyline.
The cathedral's interior once featured paintings depicting scenes from the Old Testament. However, these artworks were unfortunately destroyed during a restoration in 2014. The building materials, including tiles and stained glass windows, were imported from France, reflecting the European influence on its construction.
Situated in the Baghani area off Kenyatta Road, the cathedral remains an active place of worship for the local Catholic community, hosting several masses each Sunday and occasionally on weekdays. Its twin spires are easily visible from various vantage points in Stone Town and from the ocean, making it a notable feature of the city's landscape.
In the narrow churchyard, there used to be a tall palm tree, which appeared in most pictures of the church; the tree was cut down sometime in the 2000s.
As one of the most important historical buildings in Stone Town, St. Joseph's Cathedral attracts numerous visitors and continues to be a testament to Zanzibar's rich cultural and religious heritage.