St. Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral

St. Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church on Sokoine Drive in the Kivukoni area of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, facing the harbour and a short walk from the Kivukoni Fish Market and the Azam ferry terminal. Built during the German colonial period by missionaries at the end of the nineteenth and start of the twentieth century, it is among the best-known colonial-era buildings in the city and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam. The cathedral is built in a Gothic Revival style, with a prominent spire, pointed arches, red-brown masonry and tall windows that filter light into a calm, high-ceilinged interior. Rows of wooden pews, stained glass and a decorated altar make up the main visual interest inside. Visitors can walk around the exterior to see the spire and the harbour setting, then step inside quietly to look at the nave and windows. A typical visit takes 20 to 30 minutes. Because it is an active place of worship, modest dress is required, with covered shoulders and knees, and visitors should avoid entering during Mass or other services. Photography inside is usually tolerated when discreet but should be avoided during worship. Entry is free, and donations are welcome. The cathedral is open daily from about 7:00 to 18:00. Crowds are minimal on weekday mornings, while Sunday services bring large congregations and make sightseeing impractical. The best photographs of the exterior are taken from across the street or from the waterfront side in the morning, when the light falls on the facade. It sits close to the Azania Front Lutheran Church and the Old Boma, so the three can be combined in one short walk, followed by breakfast at the fish market.