World Heritage Identification Number: 144
World Heritage since: 1981
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇹🇿 United Republic of Tanzania
Continent: Africa
UNESCO World Region: Africa
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A Journey Through Time: Exploring the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara
The Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, offer a captivating glimpse into the rich history and cultural exchange that once flourished along the east African coast. These two small islands, nestled off the coast of Tanzania, serve as a testament to the prosperous trading centers that dominated the Indian Ocean trade routes from the 13th to the 16th centuries.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The remains of two great East African ports admired by early European explorers are situated on two small islands near the coast. From the 13th to the 16th century, the merchants of Kilwa dealt in gold, silver, pearls, perfumes, Arabian crockery, Persian earthenware and Chinese porcelain; much of the trade in the Indian Ocean thus passed through their hands.
Encyclopedia Record: Kilwa Kisiwani
Kilwa Kisiwani is an island, national historic site, and hamlet community located in the township of Kilwa Masoko, the district seat of Kilwa District in the Tanzanian region of Lindi in southern Tanzania. Kilwa Kisiwani is the largest of the nine hamlets in the town of Kilwa Masoko and is also the least populated hamlet in the township with around 1,150 residents.Additional Site Details
Area: Not available
Coordinates: -8.95778 , 39.52278
