On Mozambique Island, contrasting cityscapes and a rich cultural heritage sit alongside popular snorkelling spots. In the north, Stone Town defines the landscape; in the south, the Macuti town is characterised by houses with palm-leaf roofs. Stone Town in the north and the Macuti town in the south showcase different cityscapes; the area in front of the fort and Praia dos Sonhos are popular snorkelling spots. St. Sebastian is the island’s oldest surviving fortress and was built between 1558 and 1620.

Two cityscapes on one island

Mozambique Island has two distinct residential and urban systems. In the north lies the town of stone and lime; Stone Town occupies the northern half of the island. Its houses are made of limestone and wood. In the south lies the Macuti town, with houses under palm-leaf roofs and traditional African architecture. In the north, Stone Town’s limestone and wooden houses define the cityscape, while in the south, it is the Macuti houses with their palm-leaf roofs. Stone Town has Swahili roots as well as Arab and Portuguese influences.

Fortress and historical heritage

Mozambique Island’s cultural heritage includes St. Sebastian, the island’s oldest surviving fortress. It was built between 1558 and 1620. Stone Town’s religious, administrative, commercial and military buildings reflect the city’s historical role as the seat of the Portuguese colonial government.

The island’s cultural heritage includes numerous religious buildings, many of them dating from the 16th century. St. Sebastian was built between 1558 and 1620, while many religious buildings also date from the 16th century.

A building with a changing purpose

A building erected in the 17th century was once the residence of the colonial governors and now houses the Museu de Arte Sacra. Its collections include Indo-Portuguese art, carved ivory and colonial furniture.

Snorkelling as a different travel focus

The area in front of the fort and Praia dos Sonhos are popular snorkelling spots.

Location within the wider destination of Nampula

Within the wider destination of Nampula, Mozambique Island is a limestone coral reef four kilometres off the mainland coast, at the entrance to Mossuril Bay in the Indian Ocean. Together with the small, uninhabited islands of Goa and Sena to the east, it forms an archipelago. A bridge built in the 1960s connects Mozambique Island to the mainland.

The island can also be placed within the wider historical context of Nampula: from 1507 to 1898, the stone and limestone town on Mozambique Island was the first seat of the Portuguese colonial government. The island’s architectural unity is based on the continuous use of the same construction techniques, materials and design principles. The island’s architectural continuity coexists with the different urban and residential systems of Stone Town in the north and the Macuti town in the south.

Discover more destinations: Nampula, Nacala.

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