Historic and Heritage Sites in Mauritius
For a small island, Mauritius has a remarkable amount of history to explore. Two places are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and many forts, mansions, estates and museums tell the story of the Dutch, French and British periods and of the people who built the island.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Aapravasi Ghat: the immigration depot in Port Louis where indentured labourers arrived. See our guide.
- Le Morne Cultural Landscape: a mountain that symbolises the resistance of enslaved people. Read the Le Morne guide.
Forts and defences
- Fort Adelaide (the Citadel): a British fort above Port Louis. See the guide.
- Martello Tower: a British coastal defence on the west coast. Read about the tower.
- Vieux Grand Port: remains of the first Dutch settlement in the south-east.
Colonial houses and estates
- Chateau de Labourdonnais: a restored 19th-century mansion in the north. See the guide.
- Eureka: a Creole house with many doors. See Eureka.
- Saint Aubin and Aubineaux: estates with Creole houses and gardens. Read about Saint Aubin and Aubineaux.
Museums
For more context, visit the museums in Port Louis and Mahebourg. See our list of the best museums in Mauritius.
Suggested heritage routes
Port Louis (half day)
Aapravasi Ghat, the Blue Penny Museum, the Postal Museum, Fort Adelaide and the Central Market are all within a short distance of each other.
The north (half day)
Château de Labourdonnais, the Pamplemousses botanical garden and L’Aventure du Sucre.
The south-east (half day)
The Naval Museum in Mahebourg, the Mahebourg waterfront and the Vieux Grand Port ruins, where the Dutch first settled.
The south-west (full day)
The Le Morne Cultural Landscape, the Slave Route Monument and the Martello Tower at La Preneuse.
Tips for heritage visits
- Check opening days: many museums close on Sundays or public holidays.
- Carry small change for entrance fees and donations.
- Combine heritage with lunch at a historic estate.
Book it with Plan Mauritius
These experiences can be booked through us, with transfers added if you need them:
Frequently asked questions
How many UNESCO sites are in Mauritius?
Two cultural sites, Aapravasi Ghat and the Le Morne Cultural Landscape.
What is the best heritage site to start with?
Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis, combined with the Blue Penny Museum and the Central Market.
Are these sites suitable for children?
Many are, especially the estates, forts and the botanical garden.
Can I see everything in one day?
Not comfortably. Plan two or three half-days, grouped by region.
Want this planned around your dates?
Tell us when you are travelling and who is coming. We will build a day-by-day plan with hotels, transfers and activities, and send you a clear price.
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