Fodor's Expert Review House of Wonders
Stone Town
Notable Building
Known as the House of Wonders, Beit el-Ajaib was the first building in Zanzibar to use electric lights, and this four-story palace is still one of the largest buildings in the city. Built in the late 1800s for Sultan Barghash, it was bombarded by the British in 1886, forcing the sultan to abdicate his throne. Due to a partial collapse in 2020, the palace is closed to the public though restoration efforts are underway. However, the building is still worth checking out for its architectural elements and historical significance.
