Makutani Palace
Makutani
An 18th-century sultan’s palace from Kilwa’s revival period, enclosed by thick high walls and right beside the west side of the Great Mosque
Makutani Palace was built as a sultan’s residence during Kilwa’s revival in the 18th century. It has thick defensive walls, some several meters high, and a multi-level residential block. Inside are the remains of a small mosque. It is one of the later buildings on Kilwa Kisiwani island, and comparing it with the 13th- and 14th-century ruins helps show how the city rose and declined. The palace sits a few hundred meters west of the Great Mosque, and guides usually include it on a walking route together with the Great Mosque and the Small Domed Mosque.
Opening hours
Daytime (guide required)
Nearby sights
- Great Mosque of Kilwa
- Small Domed Mosque
- Gereza Fort
- Husuni Kubwa
- Kilwa Masoko Market & Harbour
- Jimbizi Beach
- Mavuji River Mangroves
- Masoko Pwani