Vasco da Gama Pillar

No trip to Malindi is complete without going to see the famous Vasco da Gama Pillar. On your list of what to see in Malindi this needs to be at the top. It is referred to as  Mnara  in Swahili language.

Built in 1499 it is thought to be one of the oldest of European monuments built in Africa. The original pillar was erected in the Sultan of Malindi’s palace but the placement of a cross at the top outraged the local Moslem community who demolished it. With the agreement of the Sultan, a new one was built here. The cross on the top known as Padrao and it is made of Lisbon Limestone. This is made from the slabs of limestone carried as ballast in the ships that Vasco da Gama arrived in.

Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India by sea. He arrived in Kenya as he endeavoured to find a sea route to India and had a huge impact on Malindi during his time here. It was from

The pillar served as a beacon to ships to guide them to the port of Malindi however those ships were not always there for the good of the people. Slaves and ivory were the key exports. In 1890 Malindi came under British administration and the slave trade and slavery was abolished.

The pillar serves as a reminder of Malindi’s colonial past and its importance as a key African port.

After visiting why not visit the Seafront Restaurant nearby for a bite to eat? It serves the most amazing Swahili food and it comes highly recommended by us.  Maybe take a stroll along the beautiful white sandy beach that both the restaurant and Vasco da Gama Pillar  sit on and take in the breath taking Indian Ocean in all it’s glory as you make your way there.

If you need a local to show you all these amazing places or simply help you explore and enjoy the real culture of Malindi, Personal Lovemalindi Guides with language skills can be booked on this site. Low cost fixed price transport can also be requested with us in the same way to travel here. Click on the menu links at the top of the page or scroll down to find out more.

Check out our events page to find out what’s happening in Malindi during your stay. There is so much going on. You will soon understand why we feel Malindi is the most wonderful place in the world!