Sight guide · Zanzibar · Tanzania
Visiting Former slave market and Christ Church
The Anglican Christ Church Cathedral was built in the 1870s on the site of Zanzibar's last open slave market, closed in 1873.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov . Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Zelenov in, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Former slave market and Christ Church is a historic site in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Allow 1–1.5 hours; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Stone Town
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, rainy day and architecture
- Best months
- April–May and November
About Former slave market and Christ Church
The Anglican Christ Church Cathedral was built in the 1870s on the site of Zanzibar's last open slave market, closed in 1873. An exhibition on the East African slave trade, underground chambers and a memorial sculpture of chained figures make it one of the most important sites on the island.
Tip: Take the guided visit to understand the site's history; allow time to reflect.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Stone Town, coral-stone lanes, boutique hotels, rooftop restaurants and the island's history.
Best time to visit Former slave market and Christ Church
Former slave market and Christ Church is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- April: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 17 rainy days, very quiet crowds.
- May: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 14 rainy days, very quiet crowds.
- November: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Zanzibar has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Zanzibar itinerary visits Former slave market and Christ Church on day 2, together with Spice farm tour and Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.
- No. 5 of the 17 sights in our Zanzibar things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Zanzibar.
Near Former slave market and Christ Church
Also in Stone Town, so you can walk between them:
- Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) — 45 minutes, free
- Darajani Market — 1 hour, free
- Forodhani Gardens night market — 1–2 hours, low cost
If you like Former slave market and Christ Church
- Maruhubi Palace ruins — North of Stone Town, 45 minutes
- Mangapwani caves — North-west coast, 1 hour
Staying near Former slave market and Christ Church
Stay in Stone Town ($$$) to walk here: coral-stone lanes, boutique hotels, rooftop restaurants and the island's history. All areas to stay in Zanzibar.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Former slave market and Christ Church?
Plan 1–1.5 hours. With Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) nearby, it fits a half-day in Stone Town.
+Is Former slave market and Christ Church free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Former slave market and Christ Church?
April–May and November, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Take the guided visit to understand the site's history; allow time to reflect.
+Do I need to book Former slave market and Christ Church in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.