Discover Port-Louis:
Marie Reine De La Paix
Perched atop Signal Mountain overlooking Port Louis, Marie Reine de la Paix is one of Mauritius’ most revered religious landmarks. This majestic three-metre-high statue of the Virgin Mary, carved from Carrara marble, weighs four tons and was crafted in the workshops of Fernandino Palla in Pietrasanta, Italy.
Unveiled on 15 August 1940, the monument was dedicated to Mary, Queen of Peace, in gratitude for the country’s protection during the First World War. The modern chapel surrounding the statue attracts both worshippers and visitors drawn by its serene atmosphere and architectural simplicity. In 1989, Pope John Paul II celebrated his first Mass in Mauritius at this very site.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the chapel offers breathtaking panoramic views of Port Louis and its harbor, making it a peaceful retreat above the bustling capital.
The Citadelle (Fort Adélaïde)
Rising proudly above Port Louis, The Citadelle, also known as Fort Adélaïde, stands as a powerful symbol of Mauritius’ colonial past. Named after Queen Adelaide, whose initials appear above the main entrance, the fort was built approximately 240 feet above sea level to safeguard the harbor from potential attacks.
Constructed using hand-cut basalt stone by local craftsmen and immigrant workers—mainly from India—the fort’s imposing walls once played a crucial defensive role. Today, it is managed by the Municipality of Port Louis in collaboration with the local tourism authorities.
Behind its massive outer walls, visitors can explore narrow corridors, vast open chambers, smaller rooms, and historic cannons that once defended the island. Swept by refreshing coastal winds, the Citadelle also rewards visitors with sweeping views of the capital and surrounding landscapes.
The Caudan Waterfront
Inaugurated on 25 November 1996, The Caudan Waterfront is one of the most vibrant and iconic destinations in Mauritius. Named after 18th-century French explorer Jean Dominique Michel de Caudan, this waterfront complex blends history, shopping, dining, and leisure in a spectacular harbor setting.
Built on a site steeped in maritime heritage, Caudan preserves elements of its past—former warehouses, docks, powder magazines, and shipyards—while offering modern boutiques, art galleries, and entertainment venues. The Food Court, housed in what was once the first meteorological and astronomical observatory in the Indian Ocean, is a highlight for visitors.
Today, the Caudan Waterfront serves as a lively meeting place for locals, tourists, artists, and food lovers, making it a true cultural and social hub of Port Louis.
Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site
Located on the bay of Trou Fanfaron in Port Louis, Aapravasi Ghat is one of the most significant historical sites in the world. Built in 1849, it served as an immigration depot for indentured laborers arriving from India, East Africa, Madagascar, China, and Southeast Asia to work on sugar plantations across the island.
The site played a central role in the British-led “Great Experiment”, launched after the abolition of slavery in 1834, to demonstrate the effectiveness of free labor in plantation economies. Mauritius became the main testing ground for this system.
The success of the experiment led to a global movement involving more than two million indentured laborers, nearly half a million of whom passed through Mauritius. Today, Aapravasi Ghat stands as the only surviving example of this unique 19th-century migration system and remains a powerful symbol of resilience, identity, and shared heritage.
