Stone Town
Cidade de Pedra
The UNESCO-listed old town on the north half of the island, where stone houses, churches and squares in Portuguese, Arab and Indian styles stretch along the streets.
Stone Town occupies the northern half of Mozambique Island. It was built from coral stone and lime between the 16th and 19th centuries, when it served as the capital of Portuguese East Africa. The streets are lined with merchants' houses with arcades, flat roofs and colorful walls, along with warehouses, churches and government buildings. The architecture blends Portuguese, Swahili, Arab and Goan Indian elements. A walk can link São Paulo Palace, the Misericórdia church, the colonial hospital, the statue of Camões, the old market and the seaside promenade. Camões, Portugal's national poet, lived on the island from 1567 to 1569. Many old houses are in disrepair or have collapsed, while others have been turned into boutique hotels and restaurants, giving the town a distinctive beauty of ruins. Daytime safety is generally good. Walk in groups at night, and ask residents' permission before taking photographs.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Church of Misericórdia & Museum of Sacred Art
- Palace of São Paulo
- Main Mosque of Ilha de Moçambique
- Colonial Hospital of Ilha de Moçambique
- Fortress of São Sebastião
- Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Baluarte
- Makuti Town
- Church of Santo António