The history of Grand Port is reflected in different ways: the National History Museum in Mahébourg features objects related to corsairs and the Battle of Grand Port; Vieux Grand Port is a significant site with historic remains. Here, you can encounter both museum collections and traces of the past at a historic site.
Maritime History in Mahébourg
The National History Museum is located in Mahébourg, in a park of about 12 acres on the banks of the River La Chaux. Its riverside setting gives the museum a clear geographical context; the collection focuses on maritime themes. It displays numerous objects related to corsairs and the Battle of Grand Port.
Most of the exhibits come from the wrecks of La Magicienne and HMS Sirius. Both were British frigates that sank in Mahébourg Bay in 1810. Their origins give the collection a distinctive focus: alongside the themes of corsairs and the battle, it features specific ships and their remains. Together, these elements offer different perspectives for understanding maritime history, from the objects on display to the events they refer to.
The Historic Site of Vieux Grand Port
The historic site of Vieux Grand Port includes the ruins of the first Catholic church, built by Mahé de Labourdonnais in 1737. The site also includes a powder magazine from the French period, which lasted from 1722 to 1810. These dates provide a historical timeframe: the church was built during this period, while 1810 marks its end.
Vieux Grand Port is considered the site of the first human settlement in Mauritius. The Frederik Hendrik Museum serves as an interpretation centre for the historic site. It opened on 27 May 1999 and is one of the district’s attractions in Old Grand Port. The two museums therefore have different focuses: in Mahébourg, the emphasis is on collection items and maritime themes; the Frederik Hendrik Museum provides context for the historic site of Vieux Grand Port.
Mauritius in the Wider Travel Picture
Beyond Grand Port, Mauritius offers a range of themes to explore on a trip. Blue Bay Marine Park lies in the southeast of Mauritius. It covers 353 hectares and has been listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention since 31 January 2008. The area is home to rich marine flora and fauna, particularly coral reefs. This natural setting adds another perspective on Mauritius to Grand Port’s focus on history.
Another cultural landmark in Mauritius is the cultural landscape of Le Morne at the island’s southwestern tip. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on 10 July 2008 and illustrates the history of slavery and the pursuit of freedom in the 17th and 18th centuries. Le Morne also bears witness to maroon resistance to slavery: the mountain served as a fortress and refuge for escaped enslaved people; physical and oral evidence confirms this use.
Getting Around the Island
Bus services operate in various regions of Mauritius and make it possible to travel to almost every part of the island. Check current routes and timetables when planning your trip. This makes it easier to get your bearings across Mauritius as a whole, while the cultural history of Grand Port remains centred on its local sites and collections.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Maheboug, Blue Bay, Pointe D'esny, Union Vale, Plaine Magnien, Mare D Albert, Le Bouchon, Pamplemousses.
For the main travel overview: Mauritius.
