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A charming historical encounter with Palace ruins in Zanzibar

Posted on: 24 January 2024 Written by: Newmark Hotels & Reserves

There is something about ancient buildings that leave behind traces of untold stories and an air of mystery. Imagine travelling back in time to an ancient palace in the exotic island of Zanzibar. Now you can when you visit Chuini Zanzibar Lodge, which is built adjacent to centuries’ old Chuini Palace ruins.

A Remnant of the Past in the ‘Place of the Leopard’

Chuini, meaning ‘place of the leopard’, was an island village in Tanzania, just 12 km north of Zanzibar City. Zanzibar was controlled by the Portuguese empire in the late 15th century and then by the Sultanate of Oman in 1698. During this time magnificent palaces were constructed for royal family members, sometimes housing up to 1000 people at a time.

Chuini Palace was built for the Zanzibar Sultan, Sayyid Bargash in 1873 and admirably, it was designed to have running water in a time when electricity was non-existent. For this reason, it was built very close to the water with tall iron pillars over the adjoining creek where seawater flowed in and out.

After a fire ravaged most of the palace in 1914, not much remains except for a few structures believed to have been bathrooms. In 1986, the site was officially protected by the Zanzibar Ancient Monuments Decree.

How You Can Get Closer to This Historical Marvel

As Chuini Zanzibar Lodge has built adjacent to the remains, hotel guests get to experience the enchanting palace ruins firsthand. Walk up the spiral staircase to the top of one of the relics, breathe in the sea air and cast your mind back to an age of sea adventures while basking in the picture-perfect coastal view.

Chuini Zanzibar Lodge is a sublime island getaway synonymous with the impeccable hospitality of the Newmark Hotels & Reserves group. Expect nothing less than stylish interiors, fresh linen, plush rooms, modern amenities, a large swimming pool, and an all-round luxurious pampering experience in a natural tropical paradise.

Book your stay at Chuini Zanzibar Lodge with Newmark Hotels & Reserves and visit the palace ruins and surrounding charming villages at your leisure. Other nearby attractions include Stone Town, Prison Island, and the Forodhani Gardens. It’s a mystical island getaway not to be missed!

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