The Gedi Ruins in Kenya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are ancient Swahili coastal settlements dating back to the 11th century. Located near the Indian Ocean coast, the site includes stone buildings like mosques, a palace, and houses, along with open areas with earth and thatch houses. With evidence of trade prosperity through imported goods like pottery, beads, and coins, Gedi was once a bustling trade center until its abandonment in the early 17th century. Local legend says the ruins are protected by ancestral spirits, adding a mystical touch to this historical gem.