The Mosque by the Sea
The best preserved ruin.
O.Mustafin — CC0 · Omondi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · O.Mustafin — CC0 · O.Mustafin — CC0 · O.Mustafin — CC0
Jumba la Mtwana is a Swahili archaeological site on the Indian Ocean coast, near Mtwapa Creek north of Mombasa. It dates to the 14th century and includes three coral-stone mosques, a tomb and eight houses, one of the calmest sites on the coast, with trees around its ruins and the beach right beside them. It joined Kenya's list of national monuments on 4 June 1982, after James Kirkman's excavations of 1972. No written records of the town survive, but Chinese ceramics help date it, and the lack of later pottery suggests it was abandoned in the early 15th century. Its architecture has an Arabic character, built of coral blocks. The finest survivor is the Mosque by the Sea, the best preserved ruin, with pools for ablutions and coral stands for washing feet. The House with Many Doors stands out for its doors and divided rooms, which once hosted visitors. The tomb has a coral stele carved with a Quranic passage. Large trees grow among the ruins, and there is a small museum. It is 9.9 km in a straight line from Haller Park and about 16 km from central Mombasa. Behave respectfully at the mosques and tomb, and do not climb the walls. Dress modestly and bring water and sun protection. After your walk you can stroll on the beach, but check sea conditions before swimming.
The best preserved ruin.
Divided rooms for guests.
Right beside the site.
Near Mtwapa Creek, Kilifi County, north of Mombasa
Pottery suggests the early 15th century, as no written records survive.
The beach is close, but check sea conditions first.