Saint Joseph's Cathedral — Attraction in Shangani

St. Joseph's Cathedral, located in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is a significant historical and architectural landmark. Constructed by French missionaries between 1893 and 1898, the cathedral's design was inspired by the Marseille Cathedral in France, evident in its prominent twin spires that dominate Stone Town's skyline.

The cathedral's interior once featured paintings depicting scenes from the Old Testament. However, these artworks were unfortunately destroyed during a restoration in 2014. The building materials, including tiles and stained glass windows, were imported from France, reflecting the European influence on its construction.

Situated in the Baghani area off Kenyatta Road, the cathedral remains an active place of worship for the local Catholic community, hosting several masses each Sunday and occasionally on weekdays. Its twin spires are easily visible from various vantage points in Stone Town and from the ocean, making it a notable feature of the city's landscape.

In the narrow churchyard, there used to be a tall palm tree, which appeared in most pictures of the church; the tree was cut down sometime in the 2000s.

As one of the most important historical buildings in Stone Town, St. Joseph's Cathedral attracts numerous visitors and continues to be a testament to Zanzibar's rich cultural and...

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is an essential landmark to visit when in Stonetown. The cathedral’s interior boasts a remarkable design that vividly portrays the ancient history as described in the Holy Book, with a clear representation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The location of St. Joseph’s right next to an old mosque is a profound testament to the harmonious coexistence of Christian and Islamic faiths in Zanzibar. This proximity highlights the unique cultural and religious tapestry of Stonetown.

I visited the cathedral on a Sunday, and while the worship times listed at the entrance may not always be accurate, it’s important to note that masses are held in both English and Swahili. Sunday services typically begin at 9 a.m., and weekday services start at 6 a.m., although these times can vary.

Visiting St. Joseph’s Cathedral offers not just a glimpse into the architectural beauty and spiritual heritage of Zanzibar, but also a deeper understanding of the island’s diverse and...

Is an important historical building located in the Baghani area of Stone Town, Zanzibar. It was built by French missionaries between 1893 and 1898, and the plans were drawn by the same French architect who designed the cathedral in Marseilles, France. The defining characteristic of the cathedral are its twin spires (similar to those of Marseille’s church) which are prominent elements of the Stone Town’s skyline and can be easily spotted from a distance off the coast. The cathedral interior is painted with murals from the Old Testament. The tiles and stained glass windows were all imported from France. The cathedral is in regular use by Stone Town’s Catholic community. There are several masses held each Sunday and occasionally on weekdays.

Ablution facilities need a little work and it can get a little crowded during peak times but a must see when...