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Portuguese Fort of Santiago (Kilwa Kisiwani), Tanzania. The conditions of the ruins of Fort Santiago in Kilwa
Kisiwani, Tanzania are poor. In this century the coastline has retreated,
undercutting the foundations of the massive masonry fort. The eastern towers and walls
have collapsed into the Indian Ocean and sand fills the remaining ruins. Vandalism and
uncontrolled plant growth are further undermining the once-powerful site. The situation
needs to be investigated in detail, in order to evaluate the possibility of saving this
monument. Without technical assistance soon, its loss is imminent.
The Portuguese fort of Kilwa Kisiwani is on the
UNESCO World Heritage list since 1981. Inscription criteria: Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and
Ruins of Songo Mnara The remains of two great East African ports admired by early European
explorers are situated on two small islands near the coast. From the 13th to the 16th
century, the merchants of Kilwa dealt in gold, silver, pearls, perfumes, Arabian crockery,
Persian earthenware and Chinese porcelain; much of the trade in the Indian Ocean thus
passed through their hands.
Inscription on the List
of World Heritage in Danger: 2004. The World Heritage Committee, 1. Noting, with
serious concern, the continuing deterioration and the serious threats affecting the
property of the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara, 2. Considering the importance of
the World Heritage property of the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara, and
the need for any programme or project, local or international, to take into account the
recommendations included in international documents, particularly the World Heritage
Convention and its Operational Guidelines 3. Noting with appreciation the support provided
by the Governments of France and Japan to address some of the problems facing this
property, 4. Recommends that the State Party put in place a proper management structure
and mechanism to protect the property; 5. Decides to inscribe the Runis of Kilwa Kisiwani
and Songo Mnara on the list of the World Heritage in Danger.
PHOTOS OF THE PORTUGUESE FORT AT KILWA, TANZANIA
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