Global Treasures: Stone Town

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1241

UPC: 879061008405

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Stone Town is one of the oldest districts in the city of Zanzibar, East Africa's oldest town that is still inhabited today.

In addition to beautiful windows, it is the city's richly decorated doors that have become a unique feature of Zanzibar's architecture. The colorful spirit of the city can be experienced in the many labyrinthine markets that bring Stone Town to life. The chaos, excitement and hectic pace of the fruit and vegetable markets is a real feast for the senses.

Up until the end of the 19th century, Zanzibar's central slave market was held on the site of today's Anglican Church. A fascinating group of sculptures recalls this dark and cruel chapter of the island's history, a highly profitable business that was controlled by the Arabian upper classes.

Following the revolution of 1964, the Sultan's Palace was also transformed, and today it is the People's Palace and is open to the public. It contains a museum that provides a fascinating insight into the opulent lifestyle of the sultan's court.

Stone Town's days usually come to their most beautiful climax when the fishing boats return to the harbor and the setting sun fills the sky with a kaleidoscopic array of magnificent colors.