The carved doors of Zanzibar

Where it is & how to get there

• On foot: Doors are spread throughout Stone Town; a guide can point out the finest.
• Styles: Arab-style doors are square with carved frames; Indian-style doors have rounded tops and brass studs.
• Photos: Ask before photographing people at their homes.

The story of the carved doors

There are said to be hundreds of carved doors in Stone Town. A grand door showed the wealth and status of the family inside, and was often built before the house itself.

Many Arab-style doors carry Quranic verses carved into the lintel, while brass studs on Indian-style doors are said to come from a tradition of protecting doors from elephants.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Look for Arab and Indian styles.
• Look for Quranic inscriptions above the doors.
• Visit a door-carving workshop.

What's around the carved doors

• Old FortCentral landmark.
• Palace MuseumOmani history.
• Darajani MarketSpices and produce.
• Mosques of Stone TownThroughout the old town.

Questions travellers ask