A place of remembrance
In Stone Town, enslaved people were bought and sold at a market until it was closed in June 1873. In September 1873 the church acquired the site. On 25 December 1873 the building of Christ Church, the Anglican cathedral, began, and it was completed in December 1880.
The closing of the market was not the end of every form of slavery in Zanzibar. A visit here is a visit to a place where people suffered, and it is also an active church. This page asks you to come in that spirit.
Visiting the site
Practical facts for a respectful visit.
An active church
Christ Church holds regular services. Parts of the interior, or all of it, can be closed to visitors during church events. Please keep your voice low and follow the instructions of the staff.
Entry rates
The entry rates are USD 5 for adults and for children above 10 years, and USD 3 for residents. They are subject to change, so confirm the amount at the entrance. Ask there which parts of the site, including exhibition and memorial areas, are open on your day.
Opening hours
The site opens daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and guided visits run Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6.30 pm. Ask at the entrance for the closing time on the day, and plan to arrive earlier rather than late in the day.
Photographs
Personal photos are permitted, except in the altar area. Photos for commercial use need a prior agreement and a fee. Please do not photograph other visitors or worshippers without asking.
Parking and access
There is no regular parking within the cathedral grounds. A few places for visitors with disabilities are available by arrangement.
Guided visits to the former slave market
Both walks go through the old town and include the site of the former slave market and the Anglican cathedral. A local guide explains the history on the way.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided walk with the former slave market and cathedral
- Guide and driver
- Former slave market on the route
A guide takes you through the old town to the site of the former slave market and the Anglican cathedral. The ticket for the site is extra and depends on the option you choose.
Check availability →
Guided walk with a visit to the former slave market
- Local guide
- Former slave market on the route
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
A local guide leads this walk through the old town, which includes the site of the former slave market and the Anglican cathedral. Entry to the site is a separate ticket depending on the option, so ask before you book.
Check availability →Guided visits to the former slave market
Guided walks and visits in Stone Town that include the former slave market and the cathedral, with live prices and availability.
The Anglican Cathedral of Zanzibar
The cathedral is the building you see from the street, with its tower and arched windows. Inside, arches lead the eye towards the altar. Please remember that photographs are not permitted in the altar area.
Building took several years, and the cathedral was completed in 1880.
Understanding the history
Stone Town grew through long sea trade between Africa and Asia, and the market belongs to that history. The wider story, from the sultans to the revolution of 1964, is told on the page about the history of Stone Town.
A walk through the old town can also pass the Old Fort and the House of Wonders. A guide can explain the site and answer your questions. See the Stone Town tours page for walks that include it.
Take the time you need.
What to ask at the entrance
Details that can change from day to day.
The current rate
The rates are subject to change. Ask for the amount for your group before you go in.
Which areas are open
Ask which parts of the site are open on your day, including exhibition and memorial areas, and whether a church event limits a visit to the interior.
Guided visits
Guided visits run from Monday to Friday. Ask whether one is offered at the time you arrive, and how long it takes.
The closing time
Closing times can differ from the usual hours. Ask for the time that applies on your day, and do not arrive late.
A respectful visit
The site is a memorial and a church at the same time. Dress in a way that is modest and simple. Speak quietly, switch your phone to silent and keep photographs for the places where they are permitted.
If you visit with children, tell them beforehand where you are going and why. Children above 10 years pay the same rate as adults. What is suitable for them is your decision.
Many visitors want to read more afterwards. The history page places the market in the longer story of the town, and the House of Wonders page covers another landmark from the same era.
The former slave market: frequently asked questions
Where was the slave market of Zanzibar?
The Anglican cathedral, Christ Church, stands on the site of the former market in Stone Town.
When did the slave market close?
The market closed in June 1873, and the church acquired the site in September 1873. That was not the end of every form of slavery in Zanzibar.
How much does a visit cost?
The entry rates are USD 5 for adults and children above 10 years, and USD 3 for residents. They are subject to change, so confirm the amount at the entrance.
Can I take photographs?
Personal photos are permitted, except in the altar area. Photos for commercial use need a prior agreement and a fee. Please ask before you photograph people.
Is Christ Church still in use?
Yes. It holds regular services, and visits can be limited during church events.
Is this the official website of the cathedral or the memorial?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not connected to the Anglican diocese, the Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority or any tour operator.