The world knows Mauritius for its sparkling beaches, white-sandy coasts, and buzzing bazaars – But what people don’t know are the island’s mysteries for centuries.
The island in the Indian Ocean has an ancient legacy of French, Indian, Chinese, and African settlers. Take a spin on the exciting history of the multicultural land to scale up the honeymoon and holiday trips.
We have rounded up the 8 Best Mauritius Historic Sites worth your time and money!
Eureka House
Eureka Historical House was built and occupied in the 19th century by British and French nobles. In 1986, the Eureka home was renovated to become a museum and made accessible to the public.
Take advantage of the guided tour of this spectacular, genuine colonial home, which features lush gardens with endemic plants and four waterfalls for a therapeutic experience.
The Maison has rooms devoted solely to art and music, a collection of Chinese and Indian household items, old maps, and a replica of a colonial-era shower. It is the island’s biggest house with 109 windows and doors.
L’Aventure du Sucre
The sugar business has played a significant role in Mauritius’ history since the Dutch set foot on the island and brought sugar cane. You can find out everything about sugar production at l’Aventure du Sucre, a functional sugar factory between the 8th and the 20th century.
The interactive tour is a great way to learn about the colonial legacy that influenced Mauritius to become what it is today. Discover the heart of Mauritius in an immersive and fascinating 4D experience.
The free tasting opportunity of 30+ sugar, rum, jam, and honey items perfects the tour.
Le Morne Brabant Mountain
Le Morne Brabant Mountain, a rough terrain that protrudes into the Indian Ocean southwest of Mauritius, served as a safe sanctuary for the runaway slaves from Africa, India, and Madagascar.
The worse tragedy than slavery itself befell Le Morne and its residents when slavery was abolished in Mauritius in 1835. A police squad reportedly began ascending the slope to inform the fugitive slaves that they had been set free. Fearing capture and imprisonment, the enslaved people began jumping from this 826-meter cliff when they saw them coming – Even mothers jumped with their babies.
It served as a significant hub on the Indian Ocean slave trade route. It bears testimony to the terrible yet heroic tale of hundreds of enslaved people who opted for death over a life of slavery. It also teaches the importance of communication.
Le Morne Brabant is a powerful cultural and patriotic emblem for every Mauritanian. Because of this, UNESCO classified the place as “World Heritage” in 2008.
Château Labourdonnais
The Château de Labourdonnais, built in 1856 and home to a Mauritian family for more than 150 years, is now a heritage site offering visitors a taste of 19th-century Mauritius living.
The estate has beautiful gardens, a distillery, a store where local artisans’ products are sold, and a tasting room where you can try drinks made at the distillery or obtained from the orchards.
This distinctive colonial relic has long piqued tourists’ curiosity owing to its beauty and historical significance. The location is well-known for its cultural and historical significance and the magnificent estate on which it was built. As you stroll through the Chateau’s chambers and corridors, the French flare of the setting is guaranteed to take you back in time.
Citadel Fort
The military fortress, also known as Fort Adelaide, was constructed by the British in the 19th century. It is one of the top tourist destinations in Port Louis that has moved on from its violent and tragic past to be revamped as a beautiful historical building monument atop Petite Montague Hill.
The British army had the strategic advantage of having a full view of the island at all angles from the Citadel Fort. It presently offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of the capital!
Views of Caudan Waterfront, China Town, Government House, Champ de Mars, and highlands are all visible from this spot.
Red Church
The Red Church, also known as Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, is one of the oldest churches, located near Cap Malheureux; and witnessed one of the French-British conflicts over sovereignty of the island and has been the subject of the most significant literature.
Numerous accounts credit the red-roofed church on the Cap Malheureux beach as a memorial to the shipwrecks that occurred off the northern shore. It is acclaimed for its visual appeal and rich history and is also known for its vivid red roof that is well-complemented by an azure sky and beach in the backdrop.
Balaclava Ruins
The fort is charmingly perched above Riviere Citron on the North West shore, preserving Mauritius’s heritage.
The new city and harbor were constructed in the eighteenth century using iron from the neighboring Balaclava. During Mahe de Labourdonnais’ expeditions in India, it was also employed in producing weapons and explosives. The fort was adorned with an iron foundry, naval artillery, and a gunpowder factory.
Currently, a Mauritian family and a German hotel business own the land. The owners pay a great deal of attention to maintaining the historic property.
During the tour, you can spot remnants of a colonial civilization in the 1800s. The estate provides various exciting activities, including fishing along the river, a jogging trail, an animal farm, a park for gigantic tortoises, and a wooden playground for kids.
Domaine de Aubineaux
The colonial mansion of Domaine Des Aubineaux was constructed in 1872 from teak and other indigenous woods salvaged from wrecked ships. It is one of the only colonial-era structures left on the island, with all of its original antique furnishings, furniture pieces, and artworks from the 18th century.
The Guimbeau family continued to reside in the home until 1993, when the last survivor of the family died. Subsequently, the Mauritian government inherited the home, refurbished it, and opened it to the public.
Plan your vacation around these 8Best Mauritius Historical Tours, and you’ll have a fantastic time visiting these historic locations.
