Old Dispensary | Zanzibar

Information

Landmark: Old Dispensary
City: Zanzibar
Country: Tanzania
Continent: Africa

Old Dispensary, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa

The Old Dispensary is a historic building located in Stone Town, Zanzibar City, Tanzania. It served as a medical facility and community center.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a four-story structure constructed primarily from coral stone and lime plaster. Its facade features intricate wooden balconies, arched windows, and decorative carvings. The dominant color is a pale yellow, with darker accents on window frames and doorways. The architectural style blends Indian, Arabic, and European influences.

Location & Access Logistics

The Old Dispensary is situated on the waterfront along Kizingo Road in Stone Town, approximately 0.2km East of the central market area. Access is via paved roads within Stone Town. Limited street parking is available in the vicinity, and public transport within Stone Town consists of local dala-dalas (minibuses) and taxis. It is easily accessible on foot from most central Stone Town locations.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Old Dispensary began in 1887 and was completed in 1894. It was commissioned by Tharia Topan, a wealthy Indian merchant, as a hospital for the local population. The building's purpose was to provide free medical services. The site itself is part of the historical land reclamation and development of Zanzibar's harbor area.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the interior architecture, including the central courtyard and the various floors. Informational displays detailing the building's history and former use are present. Photography of the exterior and interior is permitted. The ground floor often hosts small shops or exhibitions.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the ground floor. Limited shaded areas are present within the building's courtyards. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally good within the building. Food vendors and small cafes are located in the immediate vicinity of Stone Town.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal interior lighting and photography, visit between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The building is accessible year-round. Zanzibar experiences two rainy seasons (March-May and November-December), but visits outside these periods offer more consistent dry weather.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical detail is that the building was originally intended to be a palace for the Sultan of Zanzibar, but was instead repurposed as a dispensary. It is said that the intricate carvings on the balconies were designed to ward off evil spirits.