Ibo Island Architecture

Ibo Island is zoned for World Heritage Status and supports some of the oldest buildings in Mozambique. As early as AD600 Arab traders had established contact with Ibo Island and subsequently established fortified trading posts, and forts along the coastline. Via these trading posts slaves, gold and ivory were shipped to the Arab world.

Fort of São João Batista

Built in 1791 by the Portuguese Ibo's iconic star-shaped, pentagonal fort is the most recognizable structure on Ibo. It is the island’s most potent symbol. Walking through the fort you can't help but feel the history in the air as you walk from one darkened room to the next. Nowadays the Fort of São João Batista (St John the Baptist) is occupied by the silversmiths, and tourists who come to visit one of Mozambique oldest forts.

Ibo Island Buildings

Architectural heirlooms from the 1500′s are grown over with wild tropical bush. Crumbles of these century old buildings seem poised and suspended in time. Almost like they intended on falling down, but forgot half way. Today, craggy and old structures, reflecting a deep maroon legacy, are painted with frangipani and Bougainvillea. It’s a mix of bright flowers and crumble. The Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, Arabian and the Chinese all had a hand in the houses and buildings on Ibo. Influences from all corners of the world can be identified in what is left of Ibo Island's architecture today.