Everything about Mauritius

Architecture

The architectural style in Mauritius is mainly tropical Victorian, similar to the Caribbean style, one or two stories, in stone and/or wood, with fretwork, shingled or corrugated iron gabled roofing, but with a particular touch in the verandas built with a design under Asian influence.

The urban pattern of the main towns of Port Louis, Curepipe, Souillac and Mahebourg were originally on a grid layout as most colonial towns. Each town has special historic buildings such as townhalls, courthouses, police stations and churches. The Societe de l’Histoire de l’ile Maurice organizes tours for its members of historic buildings and places in Port Louis.

There are many plantation houses located outside the urban areas. These houses are situated on sugar estates and have excellent parks and gardens with their entrance drives usually characterized by an impressive alignment of royal palms. Other plateau houses are scattered around the island including Le Reduit- the President’s house and gardens and Clarisse House in Vacoas- the Prime Minister’s residence.

Other buildings of tourism interest and worthy of conservation include administration buildings (police stations, courthouses and hospitals) education buildings and a great number of religious buildings of all creeds throughout the island. Industrial buildings include Les Salnes, Granary in Caudan and sugar cane factories in Bel-air and in Constance. Normal 0

Many buildings are listed as National Monuments of Mauritius. These include the Sugar Factory (Grande Rosalie), the Windmill Tower of Forbach, the Lighthouse at Ile aux Fouquets and Government House in Port Louis.

In 2006 Aapravasi Ghat, in the district of Port Louis, was added to the World Heritage List. The complex, consisting of an entrance gateway, immigration sheds and service quarters, was a depot for indentured labour before dispersal to plantations.

• The Eureka House

The Creole house Eureka, erected in 1830 in a magnificent garden surrounded by waterfalls of Moka River and the Moka Range is one of the unique and most preserved old residences still in good condition. Now, Eur�ka reflects the past of Mauritius through old aristocratic family. The house has a collection of: antique furniture, old photographs, chinaware and contemporary books.
The house was built by Mr. Carr, a British notable who wanted to be nearer to 'Le R�duit' where the governor lived. In 1812, Mr. et Mrs. Robinson bought the property and later sold it to Mr. Eug�ne Lecl�zio in 1856, father of Sir Eug�ne Lecl�zio, chief justice and Sir Henry Lecl�zio, attorney and member of the Legislative Assembly. You will discover the romantic flora and splendour of the tropical nature while you roam through the park. You will be surprised by an enchanting garden that will charm nature lovers. Further down the ravine, while walking by the river, you will discover the magnificence of the waterfalls. Have a rest by a "badamier trees" where the native birds’ singing will appease you.
Savour the delights of Creole cuisine for lunch cooked formerly, and served down the ravine or under the veranda. One can taste delicious local dishes. Spending nights at Eureka is a great experience. You can be accommodated in comfortable guest houses.

• Government House

Government House consisted originally of a wooden hut covered with palm tree leaves. Part of the building was constructed during the governorship of Nicolas de Maupin (1729-1735) and enlarged in 1738 by Labourdonnais when it was officially called the Hotel du Gouvernement. Today it is the official centre of government although parliamentary issues are debated in the modern Legislative Assembly Chamber behind it. In the courtyard is a statue of Queen Victoria. Beyond it is the statue of William Stevenson, who was the British governor of Mauritius from 1857 to 1863. The wrought iron gates in from of Government House remain closed except on official occasions such as the opening of parliament. The interior is not open to the public.
 

• Le Domaine des Aubineaux

Le Domaine des Aubineaux is a colonial house built in 1872 and is situated at Forest Side not far from Carbonel bridge. It was resided by Guimbeau Family and has been renovated and transformed into a museum. You can have a guided visit in the house where you will discover contemporary furnitures. You will also find some exotic plants and trees of endemic forest in the “Camphriers Garden”and some time to stop for a coffee.

To visit le Domaine des Aubineaux, contact the agency:
Cap Soleil
Philippe Lamothe
Tel: 4277454-55
Fax: 427 0444

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Cemetries

Some of the cemeteries of the island still have very old tombs dating back to the early 1800’s.

Fortifications

Fortifications (forts, batteries and Martello towers) date back to both the French and British times. Some are still well preserved even though need to undertake restoration works. Martello Tower in La Preneuse has recently been restored and includes an excellent museum. The Citadelle is the largest fortification on the island, standing on a hill above Port Louis.

Fortifications like Fort Adelaide or La Citadelle as it is commonly known stands as panoramic views of the entire city with its amphitheatre of mountains, the Champs de Mars Race course and the harbour. Built by the British between 1834 and 1840 as a lookout post to check civil disorder within the city, it is now a venue for pop concerts, sound and light shows. There is no entrance fee and it is a nice place to visit.

• Le Plaza

The largest theatre complex in the Indian Ocean, the Plaza Theatre has become the most important landmark of the cultural life of the island. It has a museum, library and art gallery as well as a theatre where plays, concerts, operas are regularly held there

• Theatre of Port Louis

Built in the 19th Century, it is one of the oldest theatre in the region where plays and concerts are held.