The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, or Great Zimbabwe National Monument, is the remnant of a magnificent medieval city, built by the Shona people in the height of their activity between the 11^th and 15^th centuries.

Encompassing an area of 8 square km, the city was an important trading centre, with archaeological evidence of glass beads and porcelain from China and Persia, gold and Arab coins, potsherds and ironware.

The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are well worth a visit for a glimpse into the magnitude of the construction, rough granite blocks forming distinct enclosures, interlinked by narrow covered passageways. This uniquely African architecture is the most distinguished and imposing still existent today.