Grande Comore · Capital
Moroni
A coral medina, a white mosque on the harbour and lively markets: the capital of the Union of the Comoros is best explored on foot, to the rhythm of the ocean.
Grande Comore · Former capital
Iconi
South of Moroni, the former capital of a sultanate keeps its mosques, its alleys and the cliff where one of the darkest pages in the island's history was written.
On this page 3 sections
A royal town
Before the rise of Moroni, Iconi was one of the main towns of Grande Comore and the seat of a sultanate. Its old quarters, mosques and tombs recall this prestigious past. The town, backed against a lava cliff, is only a few kilometres from the capital.
The cliff of memory
At the end of the 18th century, raids from Madagascar devastated the coasts of the archipelago. Tradition has it that in Iconi, women chose to throw themselves from the top of the cliff rather than be captured and enslaved. This story, handed down from generation to generation, makes the cliff a place of memory for the whole of Grande Comore.
Tales and legends of the archipelago →
Visiting
Iconi can be explored in half a day from Moroni. Go with a local resident to reach the viewpoints and understand the history of the place, and respect the religious character of the mosques and tombs.
Approximate location.
Gallery
Other places on Grande Comore
Grande Comore · Volcano
Karthala
One of the largest active craters in the world, at the top of an entire island shaped by fire: the ascent of Karthala is the archipelago's ultimate adventure.
Grande Comore · Beaches
Mitsamiouli and the north
White sand, turquoise water and volcanic curiosities: the north of Grande Comore has the island's most beautiful beaches.
Grande Comore · Heritage
Ntsaoueni
On the north-west coast, the town of Ntsaoueni is associated with the arrival of Islam in the archipelago and is protected by a rampart facing the ocean.