Kilwa Kisiwani

Lindi Region, Tanzania

The ruins of the Kilwa Sultanate's capital, once the wealthiest city on the East African coast. Its Great Mosque and Husuni Kubwa palace are among the most important pre-modern monuments in sub-Saharan Africa.

Historical Context

The Kilwa Sultanate controlled Indian Ocean trade routes and minted its own coinage — the first in sub-Saharan Africa. Ibn Battuta visited in 1331 and described it as one of the most beautiful cities he had ever seen.