Among the 13 pristine architectural wonders of the world, in the country category, is also a renowned location that many frequenters of Kenya and its coast are familiar with: it is Lamu Town, within the archipelago of the same name. The ranking in which Lamu was included was compiled by "Architectural Digest," a famous U.S. trade publication owned by Conde Nast.

Lamu's high ranking, according to the magazine's editors, is deserved for maintaining a unique architecture that draws heavily from Swahili, Arab, European, Indian and Persian styles.
"Considered the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa," writes Architectural Digest, "the village relies on donkeys for transportation, as the roads have been banned to vehicles and motorcycles.

Actually, unfortunately, in recent years, a few motorcycles are seen, but the main transportation remains by traditional dhows, the Swahili boats.
"Visit Lamu Fort, a fortress built between 1810 and 1823, which now houses a library and exhibition space, and the Lamu Museum, located in an old house built in the early 1900s." The magazine writes further, in the reasons for the vote.

In 2001, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named Lamu a "World Heritage Site," having hosted major Muslim religious festivals since the 19th century and become an important center for the study of Islamic and Swahili cultures.

Another attraction is due to the coral stone and mangrove lumber used in the buildings, which enhance their simplicity while retaining features such as interior courtyards, verandas and elaborately carved wooden doors. Lamu is thus placed in an international context that includes, among others, Orta San Giulio in Italy, the village on the island of Lake Orta, as well as Frigiliana in Spain, Taxco de Alarcon in Mexico, and Gordes in France.