Le Morne Cultural Landscape
Location: Southwestern Mauritius
Year of Inscription: 2008
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Le Morne Cultural Landscape is a rugged mountain located on the southwestern tip of Mauritius, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is a place of significant historical and cultural importance, known for its association with the resistance and liberation struggles of the African slaves who were brought to the island by European colonizers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The site bears unique testimony to the struggle of the slaves for freedom and dignity, and to the rich cultural heritage that they brought with them from Africa.
Prominent Features: The Le Morne Cultural Landscape is characterized by its rugged mountain terrain, which includes cliffs, gorges, and steep slopes. The site includes several significant features, including:
Le Morne Mountain: The 556-meter-high mountain is the most prominent feature of the landscape and is a symbol of the resistance and struggle of the slaves who sought refuge there.
The Caves: The caves of the Le Morne Cultural Landscape served as hideouts for the slaves who had escaped from their masters. They also served as places of worship and ritual, and as centers for the preservation of African cultural heritage.
The Lagoon: The lagoon is an important site for the fishing industry and is home to a diverse range of marine life, including coral reefs, fish, and marine mammals.
History: The Le Morne Cultural Landscape is associated with the African slave trade and the struggle for freedom and dignity of the enslaved people brought to Mauritius by European colonizers. The site served as a refuge for escaped slaves, who created a unique culture and society in the mountain caves, blending African cultural traditions with those of other enslaved peoples from around the world. The landscape also witnessed several historical events, including the final confrontation between the British colonial authorities and the slaves in 1835, which resulted in the liberation of the slaves.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy hiking to the top of Le Morne Mountain, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Indian Ocean. They can also explore the mountain caves, which are of significant historical and cultural importance.
Fun Fact: The Le Morne Cultural Landscape is a symbol of resistance and struggle against slavery and oppression and is considered a source of inspiration for many social justice movements around the world.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to access the Le Morne Cultural Landscape.
How to Reach It: By Road: The Le Morne Cultural Landscape is located approximately 50 kilometers from the town of Port Louis, which is accessible by road from other major towns in Mauritius. Visitors can hire a car or take a taxi from Port Louis to reach the site.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options near the Le Morne Cultural Landscape, including hotels and resorts. Some popular options include the St. Regis Mauritius Resort, the Lux Le Morne, and the Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.
Next Stop: Aapravasi Ghat
Year of Inscription: 2008
Criteria: (iii) bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
vi) be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Le Morne Cultural Landscape is a rugged mountain located on the southwestern tip of Mauritius, overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is a place of significant historical and cultural importance, known for its association with the resistance and liberation struggles of the African slaves who were brought to the island by European colonizers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The site bears unique testimony to the struggle of the slaves for freedom and dignity, and to the rich cultural heritage that they brought with them from Africa.
Prominent Features: The Le Morne Cultural Landscape is characterized by its rugged mountain terrain, which includes cliffs, gorges, and steep slopes. The site includes several significant features, including:
Le Morne Mountain: The 556-meter-high mountain is the most prominent feature of the landscape and is a symbol of the resistance and struggle of the slaves who sought refuge there.
The Caves: The caves of the Le Morne Cultural Landscape served as hideouts for the slaves who had escaped from their masters. They also served as places of worship and ritual, and as centers for the preservation of African cultural heritage.
The Lagoon: The lagoon is an important site for the fishing industry and is home to a diverse range of marine life, including coral reefs, fish, and marine mammals.
History: The Le Morne Cultural Landscape is associated with the African slave trade and the struggle for freedom and dignity of the enslaved people brought to Mauritius by European colonizers. The site served as a refuge for escaped slaves, who created a unique culture and society in the mountain caves, blending African cultural traditions with those of other enslaved peoples from around the world. The landscape also witnessed several historical events, including the final confrontation between the British colonial authorities and the slaves in 1835, which resulted in the liberation of the slaves.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy hiking to the top of Le Morne Mountain, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Indian Ocean. They can also explore the mountain caves, which are of significant historical and cultural importance.
Fun Fact: The Le Morne Cultural Landscape is a symbol of resistance and struggle against slavery and oppression and is considered a source of inspiration for many social justice movements around the world.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to access the Le Morne Cultural Landscape.
How to Reach It: By Road: The Le Morne Cultural Landscape is located approximately 50 kilometers from the town of Port Louis, which is accessible by road from other major towns in Mauritius. Visitors can hire a car or take a taxi from Port Louis to reach the site.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options near the Le Morne Cultural Landscape, including hotels and resorts. Some popular options include the St. Regis Mauritius Resort, the Lux Le Morne, and the Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.
Next Stop: Aapravasi Ghat