House of Wonders in Zanzibar: History of the Most Emblematic Building in Stone Town
The House of Wonders, known in Swahili as Beit el-Ajaib, is the most iconic building in Stone Town and one of the most photographed monuments in Zanzibar. Its imposing facade facing the Indian Ocean and its clock tower visible from several points of the city make it an obligatory stop for anyone visiting the historic capital of the archipelago. In this article I tell you the fascinating story of the House of Wonders, why it bears such a special name and what to expect when you visit.
Why is it called Casa de las Maravillas?
The name "House of Wonders" is no coincidence. When this palace was built in 1883, it incorporated technologies that amazed the people of Zanzibar and earned it its name. It was the first building in all of East Africa to have electricity, the first to have an elevator and one of the first to have running water. For the time, these amenities were true technological marvels that fully justified its nickname.
The building was commissioned by Sultan Barghash bin Said, one of Zanzibar's most progressive rulers, who had been impressed by the technological advances he witnessed during his travels in Europe. His vision was to turn Zanzibar into a modern city without losing its Swahili and Arabic essence.
The House of Wonders quickly became a symbol of the power and wealth of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, a time when the island controlled important trade routes for spices, ivory and other products between Africa, Asia and the Arab world.
History of the House of Wonders: from splendor to collapse
The Sultanate Years (1883-1896)
Construction of the House of Wonders began in 1883 under the supervision of Sultan Barghash. The building was designed by a British engineer named John Sinclair, who blended traditional Swahili architectural elements with Victorian innovations of the time. The result was a three-story ceremonial palace with wide verandas, wrought iron columns and soaring ceilings.
Originally, the House of Wonders was not a residence of the sultan, but a ceremonial palace used for official receptions, celebrations and as a symbol of the sultanate's power. The sultan's private quarters were in the nearby People's Palace (Beit el-Sahel), while Beit el-Ajaib served to impress visitors and diplomats.
The building witnessed crucial moments in Zanzibar's history, including the British bombardment of 1896, the shortest armed conflict in history that lasted just 38 minutes and marked the end of the sultanate's independence.
Colonial and postcolonial era (1896-1964)
After becoming a British protectorate, the House of Wonders continued to be used for ceremonial functions, although it lost some of its original splendor. During the British colonial era, the building housed administrative offices and spaces for official events.
After Zanzibar's independence in 1963 and the subsequent revolution of 1964, the building fell into disrepair. It was not until the 1990s that the authorities decided to restore it and turn it into a museum.
The Museum of History and Culture (2000-2020)
In 2000, after a major restoration, the House of Wonders reopened its doors as a museum dedicated to Swahili and Zanzibari history and culture. The rooms exhibited:
Traditional dhows (Swahili boats)
History of the spice trade
Old photographs of Stone Town
Sultanate period artifacts
Exhibitions on Swahili culture
For two decades, it was one of Stone Town's main tourist attractions, receiving thousands of visitors each year who climbed to its upper floors to enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and the city.
The collapse of 2020: a heritage tragedy
On December 25, 2020, the Casa de las Maravillas suffered a devastating partial collapse. Part of the building, weakened by years of exposure to sea saltpeter and lack of proper structural maintenance, collapsed causing irreparable damage to important sections of the palace.
Fortunately, there were no casualties, as the building was closed that day. However, the heritage loss was immense. According to the World Monuments Fund, which has included Stone Town on its list of sites at risk, the collapse was the result of structural degradation accelerated by humidity and torrential rains.
Since then, the House of Wonders has remained closed to the public while reconstruction and restoration plans are being debated. It is one of the great heritage conservation concerns not only of Zanzibar, but of East Africa as a whole.
Architecture of the House of Wonders: a unique blend of styles
Despite the damage suffered, the House of Wonders remains an extraordinary testimony of the Zanzibari architecture of the 19th century.
The monumental facade
The first thing that strikes you when you see the Casa de las Maravillas is its imposing three-story facade with wide verandas supported by wrought iron columns. These columns, imported from Glasgow (Scotland), were a technological innovation that made it possible to create larger spaces without the need for thick load-bearing walls.
The facade combines Arab elements (pointed arches, geometric decorations) with British Victorianism (use of iron, symmetrical proportions). The result is a hybrid architecture that perfectly reflects the Zanzibar of the late 19th century: a crossroads of cultures between the Arab world, African Swahili and the British colonial empire.
The Clock Tower: the landmark of Stone Town
The clock tower of the House of Wonders is perhaps the most recognizable element of the building. It was later added by Sultan Khalifa bin Harub to commemorate his ascension to the throne. The clock, which for decades marked time for the inhabitants of Stone Town, has become a symbol of the city.
From various points in Stone Town and the harbor you can see this tower, which serves as an orientation point for tourists and locals alike.
Portuguese cannons: witnesses of history
In front of the House of Wonders are two huge 16th century bronze cannons of Portuguese origin. These cannons, known locally as "Diu's Cannons", were captured by the Omanis when they expelled the Portuguese from the Swahili coast in the 17th century. They are silent witnesses to the successive waves of conquerors that passed through Zanzibar.
The original interior (before collapse)
Before the 2020 collapse, the interior of the House of Wonders was equally impressive:
- First floor: Large ceremonial hall with ceilings over 8 meters high.
- Second floor: Exhibition rooms with historical photographs and artifacts.
- Second floor: Exhibition of traditional dhows and Swahili culture.
- Third floor: Terrace with panoramic views (one of the best views of Stone Town).
The mosaic floors, Zanzibari wood carved doors and geometrically decorated ceilings were a delight to visitors.
Is it possible to visit the Casa de las Maravillas at present?
As of today, the Casa de las Maravillas is closed to the public due to damage from the 2020 collapse. There is no confirmed date for reopening, although there are restoration projects under discussion.
In the meantime, you can:
Admiring the facade from the outside
Even if you can't go inside, the House of Wonders is worth a visit to appreciate its monumental facade and Portuguese cannons. It is one of the most photographed buildings in Stone Town, especially at sunset when the golden light illuminates the iron columns.
The building is located on Mizingani Road, right in front of the old harbor and a few steps from the Arab Fort. It is impossible to miss during a tour of Stone Town.
Combine with other nearby historic sites
While you wait for the House of Wonders to reopen, Stone Town offers many other fascinating sites:
- People's Palace (Beit el-Sahel): The former residence of the sultan, now converted into a museum.
- Arab Fort: 17th century fortress that hosts cultural events.
- Freddie Mercury's House: The birthplace of the legendary Queen singer
- Old Dispensary: Restored colonial building with beautiful wood carvings.
- Darajani Market: The traditional market of Stone Town
- Hamamni Persian Baths: The only preserved Persian public baths in East Africa
The future of the House of Wonders
The reconstruction of the House of Wonders is one of Zanzibar's heritage priorities. Several international organizations, including UNESCO (Stone Town is a World Heritage Site), are involved in the restoration plans.
The challenges are considerable:
- Financial: Reconstruction will require millions of dollars
- Technicians: Decision must be made whether to rebuild exactly as it was or to incorporate modern reinforcements.
- Heritage: How to preserve authenticity while ensuring structural stability
The Zanzibari authorities have expressed their commitment to restore this national symbol, although they recognize that it will be a long process. In the meantime, the House of Wonders stands as a reminder of the importance of preventive maintenance of historical heritage.
Curiosities about the House of Wonders
Finally, some curiosities that make this building even more special:
The tallest building of its timeWhen it was built in 1883, it was the tallest building in all of East Africa, with its three stories and clock tower.
Africa's first elevatorThe installed elevator worked with a hydraulic system, an innovation for the time. Unfortunately it was destroyed during the collapse.
Inspiration for manyThe architecture of the House of Wonders inspired other colonial buildings in East Africa, establishing a style that blends local and European elements.
Movie setBefore the collapse, its imposing facade was featured in several documentaries and films about East Africa.
The traveling columnsThe 36 wrought iron columns that support the verandas traveled from Scotland to Zanzibar by ship, a journey of thousands of kilometers in the middle of the 19th century.
Conclusion: a symbol wounded but not forgotten
The House of Wonders is much more than a historic building. It is a symbol of Zanzibar's golden age, a unique architectural testimony and a fundamental piece of Swahili heritage. The 2020 collapse was a severe blow, but also a wake-up call on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
If you visit Stone Town, even if you can't go inside, come and contemplate its façade and let yourself be transported back to the time of the sultanate, when this building truly amazed all who visited it. The House of Wonders awaits its rebirth, and when it finally reopens its doors, it will undoubtedly be one of Africa's great heritage news.