Port Louis: Heritage and History of Mauritius

Port Louis draws attention to the history of Mauritius. Aapravasi Ghat is located in the Port Louis District; nearby, the Central Market also tells a story of a long market history. These two perspectives give your trip planning a cultural focus without requiring you to choose just one theme.

Aapravasi Ghat and the History of Migration

Aapravasi Ghat is the remnant of an immigration depot built in 1849 and is associated with the beginnings of the modern diaspora of indentured labourers. The site anchors an important history in a specific place. If you are interested in the history of Mauritius, the Heritage Trails around the World Heritage Site offer an additional perspective: they provide an overview of important moments in the island’s history and offer guided visits to National Monuments and historic buildings in the surrounding area.

The guided visits take place on request and by booking; each group is limited to a maximum of 20 people. To confirm the visiting arrangements, you can contact the provider in advance on 217 7770. This restriction is important for planning: you should not assume that the trails can be visited without making a prior request.

Market History Nearby

The Central Market, also known as the “Bazaar”, is considered the oldest market in Mauritius and was inaugurated by Governor Gomm in 1844. Its three arched stone and wrought-iron entrance portals, decorated with floral motifs, give the building a distinctive architectural feature. The market’s history thus complements the story of Aapravasi Ghat: here, the focus is on a historic building with striking portals; there, on the history of an immigration depot and the diaspora of indentured labourers. The market is located near the destination.

Mauritius in a Broader Context

Le Morne is also part of Mauritius’s cultural heritage. The cultural landscape lies at the island’s southwestern tip and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on 10 July 2008. It illustrates the history of slavery in Mauritius and the pursuit of freedom in the 17th and 18th centuries. The mountain served as a fortress and refuge for people who had escaped enslavement; physical and oral evidence attests to this use. Vieux Grand Port is also considered the site of the first human settlement in Mauritius. The Frederik Hendrik Museum opened on 27 May 1999.

The Bras d’Eau National Park offers a different landscape. It covers 497.2 hectares and is planted predominantly with mahogany, araucarias, tecoma and eucalyptus. Mare Sarcelle is part of the park and is home to mangroves, native plant species and several migratory bird species. The Coq des Bois Trail runs through the forest and ends at Mares Chevrettes. These natural and cultural landscapes belong to the broader island context of Mauritius and offer different points of interest from the historical themes around Port Louis.

The cuisine also offers a taste of the island: dhollpuri and roti are among Mauritians’ favourite dishes. Bus services operate in different regions of Mauritius, making it possible to travel to almost anywhere on the island. Check current routes and timetables if you plan to visit several regions.

Choosing the Right Base

When looking for a holiday rental, first consider which part of your trip you want to focus on. If Aapravasi Ghat and the nearby market history are your main interests, focus your search on Port Louis. If you also want to explore Le Morne or Bras d’Eau, factor the wider island of Mauritius into your travel plans and check current transport connections. This way, you can choose your destination and accommodation based on the experiences you actually plan to include.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Les Salines, Port Louis, Black River, Rodrigues, Flacq, Pamplemousses, Savanne, Riviere Du Rempart.

For the main travel overview: Mauritius.