Lamu Old Town

World Heritage

Kenya

🎧 Listen to Introduction

The ancient town of Lamu is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, retaining its traditional functions. Built of coral stone and mangrove wood, the town has simple structural forms enriched by features such as inner courtyards, balconies and intricately carved wooden doors. Since the 19th century, Lamu has hosted important Muslim religious festivals and has become an important center for the study of Islamic and Swahili culture.

# Muslim religious holidays

# Islamic Culture