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The building is a palace built in 1883. Until the middle of the 20th century, it served as a sultan’s residence. The name “House of Miracles” is simple – it was here the first time in the whole country had electricity, running water, an elevator. These goods of civilization for the locals at first were a “miracle. In several rooms of the palace there is a museum where you can see old British cars.
Most of the attractions in Zanzibar are in the island’s capital, Stone Town. The historic part of town, known as Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is very small and compact, tourists can walk around it in a day, the area of Stone Town is only 2 by 1.5 km. But at every step you will encounter a historical and architectural landmark here, because Stone Town has been known since the 8th century. One of the most notable places here is the House of Wonders.
The palace, built in 1883, was designed by an unknown architect, but historical sources say he was from Scotland. After its construction the building served as a sultan’s residence, the royal dynasties lived here until 1964. In fact, the House of Wonders is the largest and most impressive building in Stone Town, its tower rises high above the other structures and is visible from afar. The huge brass doors leading inside are decorated on the outside with engraved quotations from the Holy Quran.
Locals have called the Sultanate’s residence the House of Wonders. In fact, no special magical things happened here. The explanation was very simple. It was in the building of the royal residence for the first time on the entire island, electricity appeared, an elevator was installed, which lifts people to the upper floors, a water pipe was installed, which delivers water from the ground through the pipes directly to the washbasin. These achievements of modern science and technology were real wonders for the common people!
The last Sultan of Zanzibar, Said ibn Bargash, initiated the construction of the palace, and the government after him used the House of Wonders not as a residence, but as a place for various ceremonies and celebrations. There was nothing more beautiful than this tropical Victorian-style building in the city at the time. In 1896, during the bombing of the island by British troops, the three-story palace building was badly destroyed. Some time later the House of Wonders was repaired and rebuilt.
Today, several rooms inside the palace house a museum that tells the history and local customs.
Here you can learn about local crafts and trades and how Zanzibarians build their “dhows” – wooden boats for fishing. In some rooms of the palace today thematic exhibitions and events are held. But the upper floors of the House of Wonders are definitely worth the climb, if only for the wonderful panorama of Stone Town, the ocean bay, and the blooming gardens from the palace terrace. In front of the entrance to the House of Wonders hangs a plaque stating that the Museum of Swahili Civilization will one day be opened here.
