The Hamamni Persian Baths of Stone Town

Located on Hamamni Street in Stone Town, the Hamamni Persian Baths are housed in a historical building where the name also refers to the surrounding neighborhood. The name "Hamamni" translates to "the place of the baths." The structure was built between 1870 and 1888 for Sultan Barghash bin Said and functioned as public baths until 1920. They are known as "Persian" because their construction was commissioned to Shirazi architects.

The building featured a complex layout with hot and cold baths, toilets, shaving areas, and a restaurant. Hot water was delivered via underground aqueducts. Because entrance was subject to a fee, only wealthy Zanzibaris could use the baths regularly. While the facilities were open to both men and women, they were accessible during different hours of admittance.

Although the baths are no longer in operation, they were restored in 2006 by volunteers from the CHAM association. They remain a major tourist attraction in Stone Town today. Visitors can explore some areas of the original complex, though parts of the building, such as the restaurant, have been adapted for private residences.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons