Muscat: The Sultanate has signed an agreement for the restoration of House of Wonders (Beit Al Ajaib) in Zanzibar. The renovation of Beit Al Ajaib, which dates back to 1883, will be implemented in response to the Royal order of His Majesty at a cost of RO 5,931,770.

The restoration work includes strengthening the buildings 240 columns and terraces as well as introducing a new mechanical system.

The work is expected to be completed in 2021.

The agreement was signed by Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary for Heritage Affairs at the Ministry of Culture and Heritage in the presence of Mahmoud Kombo, Minister of Information, Tourism and Heritage of Zanzibar.

Kombo expressed his thanks and appreciation, on behalf of the president of Zanzibar, to His Majesty for the financial support presented by the Sultanate for preserving the heritage of Zanzibar.

The House of Wonders or Palace of Wonders is a landmark building in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is the largest and tallest building of Stone Town and occupies a prominent place facing the Forodhani Gardens on the old town’s seafront, in Mizingani Road.

The House of Wonders was once the most modern building in East Africait was the first building to have electricity and an elevatorand it mixes elements of European style and Zanzibari tradition by including cast-iron columns, elaborate door carvings, coral rag, open central courtyards, and mangrove ceilings that together form a truly unique architectural achievement.

2019 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Disclaimer: The content of this article is syndicated or provided to this website from an external third party provider. We are not responsible for, and do not control, such external websites, entities, applications or media publishers. The body of the text is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this article. Read our full disclaimer policy here.