CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

Christ Church Cathedral in Zanzibar, also known as the Anglican Cathedral of Christ, is a landmark symbol of the island’s complex history. Located in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was constructed between 1873 and 1880 by missionaries of the Universities' Mission to Central Africa (UMCA). The church stands on the grounds of the former slave market, a grim reminder of Zanzibar’s involvement in the East African slave trade.

Designed in a fusion of Gothic and Arabic architectural styles, the cathedral features a distinctive pink coral stone exterior and an unusual barrel-vaulted ceiling. One of its most poignant elements is the altar, believed to be positioned directly over the site of the old slave whipping post. A memorial sculpture of enslaved people, chained together, stands in the courtyard as a tribute to those who suffered.

Today, the church serves as a place of worship and a key historical site, attracting tourists who wish to learn about Zanzibar’s role in the abolition of slavery. Visitors can explore the cathedral's interior, view the underground slave chambers, and reflect on the legacy of human suffering and resilience. Christ Church Cathedral is both a spiritual sanctuary and a powerful monument to freedom and redemption.