Located on Lamu Island, Lamu Old Town is a historic gem with a rich heritage dating back over 700 years. Designated a World Heritage Site in 2001, this living town showcases a unique fusion of Swahili, Arabic, Persian, Indian, and European architectural styles. Its magnificent stone buildings, featuring curved doors and seafront arcades, provide a unified visual impression, while vernacular buildings internally boast painted ceilings, niches, and Chinese porcelain pieces.
Lamu Old Town’s well-preserved structures highlight the evolution of Swahili building technology using coral, lime, and mangrove poles. The town’s growth and decline narrate the cultural and economic history of the East African coast, emphasizing interactions between Bantu, Arabs, Persians, Indians, and Europeans. This architectural masterpiece reflects centuries of cultural influences, contributing to a distinct Swahili culture.
With its narrow winding streets and clustered dwellings, Lamu Old Town stands as a testament to traditional values, social unity, and cohesion. It serves as a reservoir of Swahili culture and a vital religious center in East and Central Africa, embodying over 700 years of history and cultural diversity from Europe, Arabia, and India.