The Miller's Arms, Malindi

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MALINDI - HISTORY By the 14th Century Malindi was an important settlement. In 1414 the Sultan of Malindi sent a present of a giraffe, oryx and a zebra to China to encourage the development of trade. In 1498 the Portuguese explorer Vasca da Gama landed in Malindi and was given a warm welcome. Malindi developed as the centre of Portuguese influence on the coast until the building of Fort Jesus in Mombasa. This lead to the decline in the town although a trade in slaves for three centuries took place at the Pillar Tombs by the Juma mosque. Slavery was abolished in 1873. Malindi developed again from the 1930s when it became a favoured visiting area for British settlers' families. Hotels such as Lawfords and the Blue Marlin were built and visitors included Ernest Hemingway. In the 1960s tourism developed greatly with new hotels. Initially it was a favoured resort of the Germans, but lately the main tourist groups are Italians. Malindi today is a very multi-cultual location with Arab, Asian, European and a variety of African tribes. Today little of the history remains. However, visits to the following are worthwhile: Vasca da Gama Pillar - made in 1499 at the entrance to the Malindi Bay. The Old Town (Swahili Quarter) with an interesting atmosphere but few old buildings. Portuguese Church - built in the early 16th century. It is thought to be the first Christian Church in East Africa. In 1542 St Francis Xavier buried two soldiers here. The Pillar Tombs at the Juma Mosque date from the 15th and 19th Centuries. The Malindi Museum is open daily and is well worth a visit. The building "The House of Columns is one of the oldest in the town. Local history exhibits and regular exhibitions will prove interesting.

The Portuguese Chapel.

The Museum.

Vasa De Gama.

The Pillar Tombs.

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