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Mauritius is popular for nestling beautiful beaches in the world, but the island is also home to several historical sites worth a visit. Owing to its legendary slavery period and colonial glory, Mauritius always welcomed navigators and writers across the world. Centuries ago, the country was ruled by the French, Dutch, and British. It has made a significant impact on Mauritius’s culture.Although due to scenic vistas and amazing beaches, Mauritius has gained the recognition of one of the most popular honeymoon destinations, it serves a great deal to history buffs too. People from far afield ancestries live on the island, making it a multicultural place. Travelers who wish to learn about a new culture when traveling should not miss exploring the best historical sites in the country.Check out some of the unique historical sites in Mauritius and find out the mystifying facts associated with them.
The Historical Maisons And Bays
Arsenal Bay
Located in the north of the country, in Balaclava, is Arsenal Bay, which takes travelers to the French era of Mauritius. One can find the ruins of the French arsenal at Baie De I’Arsenal. Those who wish to witness French remains must visit the village of Arsenal. It was home to a French Foundry known for providing military supplies for the war front.
It is believed that the place had over 300 slaves working for the French. However, in an explosion in 1774, all of them were killed. Today, visitors can witness the ruins and explore the era ruled by the French in Mauritius.
Eureka Maison
Apart from the Bay, the different historical houses in Mauritius take visitors decades back. For instance, the colonial Eureka Maison or Eureka House, surrounded by a Eureka garden that dates back to 1830, gives a glimpse of colonial art and music. It is one of the largest Maisons in Mauritius, boasting over 100 doors and windows. Visitors can find plenty of Chinese and Indian maps and housewares depicting the presence of people of different cultures at a place.
St Aubin House
Likewise, travelers can also visit St Aubin House, whose construction goes back to two hundred years. Although the estate’s dealing with sugar is not anymore, it now abodes rum distillery. Visitors can check out the spice garden, vanilla house, tropical garden, and the popular sugar factory.
The Ancient Mills And Towers
Beau Plan Sugar Mill
One of the top historical sites in Mauritius is Beau Plan Sugar Mill. Once a sugar factory, the mill now serves as a museum exhibiting the tales of sugar, the trade of rum, and how the place practiced slavery. It is a perfect place to sneak-peek into the actual historical life of the country.
The Beau Plan Sugar Mill was started in 1797 and closed in 1999. It takes around three hours to complete the tour inside the mill and encounter various historical aspects. Visitors can watch the videos or participate in an interactive session to learn more about the place. The best part of the tour to this mill is that people get the chance to taste fifteen different types of sugar invented in Mauritius.
Martello Tower
Once the visit to Mill completes, travelers can take the voyage to Martello Tower, which the British people built between 1832 and 1835. They constructed the five towers to protect their colonies from the French. Today, the Martello Tower serves as a museum where visitors can speculate on its architectural grandeur and incredible artistic intelligence.
The Old Forts And Monuments
Matthew Flinders Monument
Apart from enjoying the beaches, another thing you can do in Mauritius is visit the forts and monuments that clearly portray the historical richness of the country. The Matthew Flinders Monument is a monument worth visiting, was built to pay tribute to the renowned cartographer and explorer Matthew Flinders.
He was the one who identified Australia as a continent, creating his permanent place in the books of history. He arrived in Mauritius over two hundred years ago when France and England were at war. Matthew was imprisoned in Mauritius for six years.
Citadel Fort
Located in Port Louis, Citadel Fort is a military building, also popularly known as Fort Adelaide. It was built by the British people. Once at the fort, travelers can enjoy the scenic views of the capital and enjoy the panoramic views. One can also check out the harbor from the top.
Visitors can check out different boutiques at the fort and buy pretty souvenirs for memories. The interesting fact is these boutiques were once barracks.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visiting the World Heritage Sites of the country makes the trip fulfilling. When in Mauritius, people can visit Le Morne, which has been made on the UNESCO world heritage site list. It is one of the most popular historical places in the country that can amaze travelers.
Le Morne is a mountain that serves as a hiding place for a number of slaves running away from the cruelty of their masters. It is located in the southwest of the country. Since accessing Le Morne is difficult, and the place is considered topographically dangerous, people could not find the slaves. The slaves stayed at the caves in Le Morne for years and created their community.
Le Morne depicts the time that has witnessed the fight for freedom. It is one of the best places with historical interest for travelers.
Apart from wildlife diversities, natural landscapes, great beaches, and a central plateau, Mauritius has a lot to offer. Do not miss visiting the historical sites and learning something new about the country’s cultural richness.