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Journey Through Mauritius’ Rich History
Mauritius may be known today for its beaches and volcanic landscapes, but its real magic lies in the incredible mix of cultures, stories and influences that have shaped the island over centuries. Dutch, French and British rule each left their mark, and the island’s multicultural society - Hindu, Muslim, Creole, Chinese and European - continues to make Mauritius one of the most harmonious places in the world.
If you’re curious to understand how all these pieces fit together, these ten historical and heritage sites offer a fascinating window into the island’s past. They’re also a great complement to our overview of Mauritius History.
1. La Citadelle Port Louis (Fort Adelaïde)
Sitting high above the capital at 240 feet, La Citadelle - or Fort Adelaïde - was built by the British between 1832 and 1840 to protect the harbour and prevent potential uprisings after slavery was abolished. Ironically, the fort was never used militarily, but today it stands as a symbolic reminder of the transition between the end of slavery and the beginning of indentured labour.
Walking up to the fort rewards you with panoramic views of Port Louis and its surrounding mountains. It’s a simple visit, but an atmospheric one.
Location: Port Louis
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 12:00
- Sunday: Closed
You can visit La Citadelle through the following packages:
2. Château de Labourdonnais
Built in 1859, this beautifully restored Creole mansion in Mapou offers a serene glimpse into 19th-century plantation life. The estate goes far beyond the house itself: sprawling gardens, old orchards, La Table du Château restaurant, and the Labourdonnais distillery - known for its rums, fruit pastes, jams and artisanal ice creams.
The interiors have been carefully restored, so as you explore each room, you get a vivid look at how the estate’s former residents lived. It’s an experience that blends architecture, history and nature in the same visit.
Location: Mapou
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Sunday: 09:00 - 17:00 (last admission 15h45)
Visit through:
3. Sugar Museum and Factory (L’Aventure du Sucre)
Set inside a former sugar factory in Beau Plan, this museum tells the fascinating story of sugar and its major role in shaping Mauritius’ history, culture and identity.
You’ll explore authentic machinery, immersive exhibits and short films that bring the island’s early days to life. The tour ends with a guided tasting of unrefined Mauritian sugars and local rum, a favourite moment for many visitors. L’Aventure du Sucre is also the first cultural attraction in Mauritius to receive both the Blue Oasis and Made in Moris certifications.
Location: Pamplemousses
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 16:00
Visit through:
4. Bois Cheri Tea Museum & Factory
If you’re a tea lover, Bois Chéri is a must. This historic plantation, founded in 1892, is surrounded by lush greenery and gentle hills. A guide takes you through the factory, sharing stories of tea production in Mauritius and showing some of the old machines - including a vintage locomotive once used to move goods around the island.
After visiting the small museum, you can enjoy a tea tasting session with beautiful views over the south.
Location: Bois Cheri
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
Available as:
5. Aapravasi Ghat - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
This UNESCO site in Port Louis marks the landing place of more than 450,000 indentured labourers who arrived in Mauritius after the abolition of slavery. With its preserved steps, hospital remains and accommodation blocks, Aapravasi Ghat is a deeply meaningful visit and one of the most important heritage spaces on the island.
Dynamic presentations and archaeological exhibits help visitors understand how Mauritius became a key crossroads of global migration.
Location: Port Louis
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 12:00
- Sunday: Closed
Available as:
6. Eureka House
This elegant Creole house from 1830 sits in the lush region of Moka and is known for its 109 doors and windows. Restored and opened to the public as a museum, Eureka offers a charming dive into colonial life - from antique furniture to a riverside garden framed by waterfalls.
Inside, you’ll find rooms dedicated to music, art, maps, porcelain and quirky colonial-era objects. It’s a peaceful and atmospheric visit, especially if you enjoy architecture and nature.
Location: Moka
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Saturday: 09:00 - 16:30
- Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Visit through:
7. Blue Penny Museum
Located at Le Caudan Waterfront, this museum highlights the maritime history of the Indian Ocean, the development of postal services and the island’s different colonial eras. You’ll also find the legendary one-penny and two-pence stamps - treasures of Mauritius.
The visit ends with the story of Paul et Virginie, a tragic yet iconic Mauritian tale. Visits usually take 45 minutes to an hour, with optional expert or privilege tours.
Location: Port Louis
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 16:30
- Sunday: Closed
You can visit via:
8. Mahebourg Historical Naval Museum
Set inside a 17th-century French mansion, this museum in Mahébourg tells the story of the island’s naval battles, colonisation and early immigration movements.
Inside, you’ll find Chinese porcelains, shipwreck artefacts, including pieces from the famous Saint-Géran (1744), and exhibitions on slavery, indentured labour and the transformation of the island’s economy. Recent additions include a replica of Napoleon’s boat and a historic train carriage.
Location: Port Louis
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 12:00
- Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
9. The Natural History Museum
Located near the gardens of the old East India Company, this museum holds more than 3,000 specimens from Mauritius and nearby islands, including iconic extinct species such as the Dodo, Giant Mauritian Lizard and Rodrigues Solitaire.
Another gallery showcases marine creatures, seashells and even models of sharks. It’s a compact visit but full of fascinating details, ideal for families and history lovers.
Location: Port Louis
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 09:00 - 16:00
- Wednesday: 11:00-16:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 12:00
- Sunday: Closed
10. Domaine De Saint Aubin
In the south of Mauritius, this historic sugar estate offers a lovely mix of Creole architecture, plantation life and traditional flavours. The mansion, built using wood from old ships, still shows traces of its maritime past. There’s also a small gallery with photographs and exhibits on the estate’s history.
The estate is known for its agricultural rum, Saint Aubin 1819. At La Maison du Rhum, you can see how this artisanal rum is made and taste different varieties - from vanilla to spice-infused blends.
Location: St Aubin
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Sunday: 09:00 - 17:00
Visit through:
- Visit & Tour of Domaine de Saint Aubin
Create Your Own Heritage Route
If you want to explore these sites at your own pace, you can use the Mauritius Tour Package Planner to build a personalised heritage tour based on your interests.
Note: Operating hours and activity schedules may change depending on the venue and operational conditions.
