Volcanic walls
Dark stone.
Arne Müseler — CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Z thomas — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Z thomas — CC BY-SA 4.0
A stone fort on a hill above central Port Louis, built by the British between 1834 and 1840 and named after Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV. Locals call it La Citadelle. It was built to watch over the town and harbour in an uneasy time after the abolition of slavery, but never saw battle. Its walls are of dark volcanic stone, and inside lies a wide courtyard that sometimes hosts concerts and events. The best part of the visit is the view from the walls: all of Port Louis spread below, with the harbour, the Caudan Waterfront and the Champ de Mars racecourse, and behind them the mountains ringing the capital, including the distinctive peak of Le Pouce. The climb is short by car or on foot from the centre, and entry is usually free. Late afternoon is best, when the light softens over the city and the mountains.
Dark stone.
Harbour and mountains.
Concerts and events.
Citadel hill, east of central Port Louis
Jummah MosqueThe most famous and most beautiful mosque in Mauritius, standing in the heart of9 minutes walk4.8
Port Louis Central MarketThe capital's main market since the mid-nineteenth century, under Victorian-styl10 minutes walk4.2
Aapravasi GhatThe site of the old immigration depot on Port Louis harbour, through which about12 minutes walk4.3
Caudan WaterfrontA shopping and leisure complex on the Port Louis quayside, opened in the 1990s o16 minutes walk4.4Late afternoon, when the light softens over Port Louis and the surrounding mountains.