Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar

The Sultan's Palace seen from the sea
The Sultan's palace as seen from the upper floor of the House of Wonders

The Sultan's Palace (Arab: Beit el-Sahel), is one of the main historical buildings of Stone Town, Zanzibar,Tanzania. It is a 3-floors building with merlon-decorated white walls, located in Mizingani Road, on the seafront, between the House of Wonders and the Old Dispensary.

History

The palace was built in late 19th century to serve as a residence for the Sultan's family. After the Zanzibar Revolution, in 1964 it was formally renamed to People's Palace and used as a government seat. In 1994, it became a museum about the Zanzibari royal family and history.

One floor of the museum is dedicated to Sultan Khalifa bin Harub; another one to Sayyida Salme, best known as Emily Ruete, former Zanzibari princess who fled from the sultanate to relocate in Europe with her husband; the exhibits include some of her writings, clothes and daily life accessories.

Coordinates: 6°09′36″S 39°11′26″E / 6.1599°S 39.1905°E