St Peter’s Cathedral stands in Likoma Town and is a tangible point of reference for architectural and church history. Ulisa Gardens, beaches and other historical themes relate to Likoma Island as a whole. For planning, it is therefore useful to distinguish between the town of Likoma and the island.
St Peter’s Cathedral: Construction and Significance
Construction of the cathedral began in 1903. The large granite building was built using local labour and materials; the first service was held in 1905. St Peter’s Cathedral is the main church of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Malawi and is considered the third-largest cathedral in Central Africa.
The Gothic building towers over Likoma Island; a statue of St Peter holding the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven stands in front of it. Carved soapstone work and stained-glass windows complement the granite building. The Gothic classification describes the style, while the materials and fittings provide specific design details. This makes it possible to consider the building’s history, church function and architectural form as different perspectives on the same structure.
Nature and Culture on Likoma Island
Visitors to Likoma Island visit Ulisa Gardens to experience nature. The island also has several local communities and beaches. Because it is small, it is easy to explore on foot. Diving is one of the activities on Lake Malawi; if you plan to include it in your stay, check current operators and availability in advance. Kaya Mawa is also a reason in its own right for many people to visit Likoma.
Island History and Geographic Context
The Likoma Island Festival includes a procession through the island’s streets. In the 1880s, the University Mission to Central Africa established its headquarters on Likoma, with the aim, among other things, of combating the slave trade along routes across Lake Malawi. This mission history predates the start of cathedral construction in 1903.
After the political division of Lake Malawi following the Second World War, Likoma remained part of Malawi, while the surrounding waters went to Mozambique. Chizumulu, another small island that also belongs to Malawi, lies near Likoma Island. This distinction is central to the geographic context: the political affiliation of the islands differs from that of the surrounding waters.
Planning Your Journey and Accommodation
Likoma Island can currently be reached by boat or plane. The Ilala is described as the main means of water transport on the lake and to the islands of Likoma and Chizumulu. Check current operating details before your trip before planning a specific connection. Travelling by boat or plane and exploring on foot are two separate considerations: the first concerns access to the island, while the second concerns exploring Likoma Island.
When looking for a holiday rental in Likoma, a simple consideration can help: is your focus the cathedral in Likoma Town, or nature, beaches and activities on the lake? Compare the accommodation’s stated location with this focus.
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