Anjouan · Heritage
Domoni
On the east coast of Anjouan, the former capital of the sultans keeps its medina, its tombs and the spirit of the great merchant towns.
Anjouan · Historic town
Mutsamudu
A citadel watching over the harbour, a stepped medina and sultans' palaces: Mutsamudu is one of the finest Swahili towns of the Indian Ocean.
On this page 3 sections
The citadel
Built at the end of the 18th century to protect the town from raids from the sea, the citadel towers over Mutsamudu. Its ramparts and old cannons offer the best view of the harbour, the medina and the mountains. Go up in the late afternoon, when the light turns the façades golden.
The medina
The old town is explored on foot, through a network of stairways, vaulted passages and alleys so narrow that two people can barely pass each other. Here you will discover the former palace of the sultans, old mosques and doors carved with floral motifs, a legacy of trade with the Swahili coast, Arabia and India.
The port and the modern town
Its deep-water port makes Mutsamudu Anjouan's gateway from the sea. This is where boats leave for Mohéli, Grande Comore and Mayotte. The island's airport is in Ouani, a few kilometres away.
Approximate location.
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