Mnarani is an ancient Swahili coastal settlement dating back to the early 14th C.
The Great Mosque is the best preserved ruin with ornately carved inscriptions around the mihrab. Other sites include carved tombs that include a restored pillar tomb, a small mosque dating back to the 16th C, parts of the town wall and a gate. Within the woods, are many other ruins such as a small mosque and other unexcavated ruins.
Galla people at war with the residents as well as the failure of the water supply destroyed Mnarani in the 17th C.