The island of Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean next to Madagascar. Many newly married couples choose Mauritius to spend their honeymoon there. According to DENTISTRYMYTH, the snow-white beaches, swaying palm trees, beautiful hotels and the beautiful blue water are excellent ingredients for those looking for peace, sun, sea and sand. But even if you have not just married or are just looking for a nice sun destination with your family or travel partner, the paradise island of Mauritius is worth a recommendation. Mauritius has so much more to offer. The capital Port Louis, for example, has a pleasant harbor, fascinating museums, Port Louis Chinatown and various other cultural attractions that you can discover there. For example, visit the Central Market and get to know the locals there. Or dive into horse racing culture and take a chance by betting on what you think is the fastest horse. And the beautiful Port Louis Theater also offers a variety of shows, concerts and other forms of entertainment that guarantee a pleasant evening out.
Top 10 sights of Port Louis
#1. Aapravasi Ghat
In the past, the many immigrants who arrived on the island of Mauritia via Port Louis were received in Aapravasi Ghat. The complex was built by the British in 1849 and served as an immigration depot. Slaves were no longer used and traded, but migrant workers from India, Madagascar, China and South-East Asia were attracted and given a contract. Aapravasi Ghat is now a museum that represents a very successful ‘experiment’ from the nineteenth century. Visitors can visit, among other things, an infirmary, stables, kitchen, military areas, washrooms and living quarters. There are fun activities for children.
#2. Blue Penny Museum
On the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis is a beautiful colonial house, better known as the Blue Penny Museum. Previously, this building served as a harbor office. The Blue Penny Museum offers you the chance to get acquainted with the island of Mauritius and its inhabitants in an appropriate way. Through an extensive collection of art, letters, cards and stamps, all kinds of important episodes from the past and present are discussed. The most valuable is the ‘red and blue Mauritius’. These are the first two stamps from the British colony of Mauritius. The mythical story about the lovers Paul and Virginie by writer Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre is also treated in detail in the Blue Penny Museum.
#3. The Caudan Waterfront
The marina Le Caudan Waterfront is almost a village in itself. In addition to many shops, you will also find a casino, restaurants, a cinema, a museum, a hotel and a nice market with handmade items. The marina and its various parts are named after important figures in Mauritanian history. For example, the main building is known as ‘Barkly Wharf’, which can be traced back to Sir Henry Barkly, a Member of the British Parliament and Governor of Mauritius. Le Caudan itself is a reference to Jean Dominique Michel de Caudan, founder of the salt pans now known as the Robert Edward Hart Garden. One of the most photographed spots within Le Caudan Waterfront is the alley with the many colorful umbrellas. They protect visitors from both the sun and the rain.
#4. Central Market
Near Le Caudan Waterfront is the Central Market of Port Louis. This market has a variety of products. Many local entrepreneurs try to sell their fresh products here. Fruit and vegetables are neatly presented here by type and, just like the fresh herbs, meat and fish, are easily sold after a bit of bargaining. On the floor above you can buy a variety of souvenirs, clothing, toys and other knick-knacks.
#5. Fort Adelaide
Between the years 1834 and 1840, a fortress was built on a hill in Port Louis to guard the harbour. The elevated position offers a clear view of the harbor and the coastline, allowing for a quick alarm if the need arises. Today, the British-built Fort Adelaide is still in good condition. Visitors can admire the courtyard and the cannons present, but mainly come to enjoy the view. Fort Adelaide was named by the British after the wife of King William IV and can be visited for free.
#6. Jummah Masjid Mosque
On Rue Royale you will find a mosque from 1895. It was built on the foundations of a mosque from 1852, but eventually took up an entire block around it. The Jummah Masjid Mosque is now one of the most beautiful mosques in Mauritius. A Quranic school and library can also be found on the grounds of the Jummah Masjid Mosque. The mosque is not open to non-Muslims. The courtyard, which appears to be a pleasant resting place, is accessible.
#7. Kwan Tee Pagoda
It remains special to see how many different faiths are represented on the not too large island of Mauritius. The Kwan Tee Pagoda is the island’s very first Chinese pagoda. This pagoda at Les Salinas was built around 1842 under the direction of Hahime Choissane. The Kwan Tee Pagoda was built to worship multiple gods. You will find an altar to the god of wealth, Choisan. But also the gods who protect seafarers and those of fertility have a place here. The colors present are representative of happiness, prosperity and purity. The Kwan Tee Pagoda is seen as a meditative place, where peace and tranquility can be found.
#8. Cathédrale Saint-Louis de Port-Louis
The Roman Catholic church ‘Cathédrale Saint-Louis de Port-Louis’ was built in 1933. Previous church buildings that stood here were destroyed by cyclones or threatened to collapse due to construction errors. The current ‘Sin Lwi’ building has been standing there successfully for some time. The inside of the ‘Cathédrale Saint-Louis de Port-Louis’ is also worth mentioning. Religious paintings are scattered here and there, including works by Alfred Richard from Mauritius. Much of the art suffers from the climate of Mauritius and so much is expertly restored.
#9. Postal Museum
The old and most important post office of Port Louis is now a museum. Every day, visitors can enjoy a variety of stories, art and photos related to various highlights of Mauritius’ history. Of course, special attention is also paid to telecommunications and post.
#10. Champs du Mars
The horse racing track Champs du Mars was introduced around 1812. Since that time, money has been regularly bet and people bet on the best horse. The initiative to establish a racecourse came from British Governor Sir Robert Townsend Farquhar. Nowadays, the Champs du Mars or Mauritius Turf Club has become an integral part of the community of Mauritius and forms a pleasant form of entertainment. Tourists also easily find their way to the horse races. The most popular and classic races are: Maiden Cup, Duke of York Cup, Dutches of York Cup and Barbé Cup.
