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Ibo Island - Quirimbas Archipelago
- Historic Island in the Quirimba Archipelago
- Fascinating sightseeing
- Pentagonal fort
- Vibrant culture
Ibo Island is probably the most visited in the Quirimbas Archipelago due to its fascinating history and beautiful old buildings. Lying to the north of Quirimba, historic Ibo Island was where Vasco da Gama rested in 1502. In later years, Ibo became a major trading centre for ivory and slaves.
Probably the most compelling attraction in the Quirimbas, Ibo's 200-year-old ghost town and 16th Century forts make for a fascinating journey to an era long forgotten.
Three forts, a cathedral, and numerous palatial homes once graced
the town. The main fort overlooks the entrance to the harbour and
was built to protect Portuguese Mozambique from the French Comores
to the east. It is constructed in the form of a pentagon. Only three
other pentagonal forts remain, one each in Mombasa, in Cape Town,
and in Maputo. Ancient cannons still grace the ramparts, though the
fort is now inhabited by silversmiths who make jewellery using ancient
Arab techniques and tools — blowpipes, charcoal, lemon juice, and
tiny metal files.
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