位于坦桑尼亚林迪区基尔瓦县(Kilwa District, Lindi Region)近海的松戈马拉(Songo Mnara)岛上,是一座中世纪的斯瓦希里石城遗址。
这座城市主要兴盛于14至16世纪,通过印度洋与阿拉伯、印度、中国的海上贸易建立起繁荣的联系。
在遗址中,考古发现了宫殿遗址、清真寺建筑、居民房屋群、墓地与城市外围防御墙等结构。
松戈马拉的房屋多以珊瑚石与灰泥打造,典型的斯瓦希里海岸石城风格。城市规划显示了公共空间、住宅区、清真寺区之间的有机关系。
这座城市不仅反映本地非洲文化,还体现了阿拉伯、波斯、印度,中国瓷器等多元文化交汇。借助其地理优势,松戈马拉在黄金、象牙、香料、陶瓷等货物的输送中扮演了重要角色。
从2005至2009年,专业项目对该遗址进行了3D激光扫描、地球物理探测、植物微体分析等。遗址于1981年与邻近的基尔瓦基西瓦尼(Kilwa Kisiwani)一并被列入世界遗产名录,后于2004–2014年曾被列入“濒危遗产”名单。
Anthony Abraham Great Island with Great History ,I have drawn pictures of Songo Mnara 1538 in my Library.
Thomas Benjamin Beautiful island with picturesque clear blue skies, rich history and WHS status. It is about 1Hr boat trip to the island from Kilwa Masoko. The island is pretty much uninhabited except for few fishermen who've set camp right at the shore where you dock. They'll also sell & prepare(smoke/roast) fish lunch(it's delicious) for you upon request. A nice 15-20 mins nature walk among the Mangroves will bring you to the ruins. The ruins themselves aren't in the best shape due to poor upkeep(some have been cleaned and partially restored) but they are rich with Persian/Arab inspired architecture and history. The guide, Mr Athumani Mongo(superb guy 👍🏾) led the way & gave an in-depth history as we walked among the ruins. Be sure to try the coconut juice (madafu) here after touring the ruins, it was hands down the best I've ever had👌🏾. To top it off, there is also a great spot for snorkeling and swimming on the island. It was truly a great experience
Hebron Geofrey Lovely place, great waters for swimming
alex P We did the day trip with the local guide Althman. He was perfect organizing everything including lunch with fresh fruits and grilled changu fish from the loal fishermen and a snorkeling stop o er a fantastic coral fields. I highly recommend his services (I already had done the half day trip to Kiswani and it was nos as interesting). I had his number but I think you can ask for him in any hotel in Kilwa or at the guides' office. Enventually, I prefered Songa to Kiswani.
Manie Conradie From the ruins, get an insight into the lifes of the early Arab traders