Zanzibar is a "sanctuary island". Zanzibar's old stone city is one of the most impressive places on the coast. It is a chaotic cluster of labyrinthine streets, with marvellously carved, but sadly rapidly deteriorating, brass upholstered doors. Endless little shops, bazaars, mosques, courtyards, fortresses, two former sultans' palaces, two huge cathedrals, faded colonial mansions, abandoned Persian-style baths and a whole collection of quaint foreign consulates. There are various historical sites scattered around the city, such as the ruined Marukhubi Palace, built in 1882 by Sultan Bargash to house his harem, the ruins of several palaces and the Mangapwani slave cave, the unique Hosani Forest and much more.
