Moroni

On this page 4 sections

1. The medina and the old harbour
2. The Friday mosques
3. Markets and crafts
4. Around Moroni

The medina and the old harbour

The historic heart of Moroni is laid out around the old harbour, where dhows once unloaded spices and fabrics. Behind the seafront, the medina unfolds a maze of alleys lined with houses of volcanic stone and lime, carved wooden doors and small neighbourhood mosques. Take the time to get lost: every street corner reveals a courtyard, a stone bench where people chat, a child playing mraha.

The Friday mosques

The old Friday Mosque, founded in the 15th century and later given its minaret, is one of the oldest monuments in the city. On the harbour, the great white arcaded mosque has become the emblematic image of Moroni. Visitors are generally made welcome outside; to go in, ask permission, wear covering clothes and avoid prayer times.

Markets and crafts

The Volo Volo market is the largest on the island: tropical fruit, the catch of the day, spices, soaps, woven baskets and printed fabrics. You will also find kofia, the embroidered caps worn by men, and ylang-ylang essence. Bargain with a smile: that is the rule of the game.

Around Moroni

A few minutes to the north, the beach of Itsandra, a former royal town, is where families gather at weekends. Further south, Iconi and its cliff recall the dark days of the raids from Madagascar in the 18th century. Moroni is also the starting point for the ascent of Karthala.