St. Joseph's Cathedral

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Stone Town is notable for its prominent twin spires. It is also notable for the fact that it is the only Catholic church on this predominantly (97%) Muslim island. Its architecture is based on the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, in Marseilles. Built between 1896 and 1898 by French missionaries, the cathedral is one of the tallest landmarks in Zanzibar and its twin spires are one of the first things you see when you arrive in Stone Town.

There are now few Catholics in Zanzibar and the cathedral is infrequently used, but they do say three Masses on Sunday morning. As is our custom even on vacation, we went to one.

beautiful metalwork on the carved mahogany doors

It was beautiful inside!