Wonderful Panoramic Views
Take a visit back in time and discover Fort Adelaide named after Queen Adelaide, also known as La Citadelle. Built during British colonisation in 1834, the fort served as an instrument of defense against all approaches of enemies, in particular the previous French colonisers.
Rising more than 100 metres above sea level, Fort Adelaide offers a panoramic view of the mountain ranges of Moka, the streets of the capital of Port Louis and the racecourse of Champ de Mars, the oldest racetrack of the southern hemisphere.
The Citadelle was recently renovated to accommodate tourists looking for a peaceful place to admire the city. There is no entrance fee and you can spend an hour or two at most including a visit to the souvenir shops.
Fort Adelaide (La Citadelle)
Fort Adelaide, universally known to locals as La Citadelle (The Citadel), is a must-visit historical landmark that commands a panoramic view over Port Louis, the bustling capital of Mauritius. Perched on Petite Montagne hill, this impressive fortress offers a blend of colonial history and spectacular photographic opportunities.
Historical Significance
- British Origin: Construction on the fort began in 1834 and was completed in 1840 under the British colonial administration.
- Purpose: The British built it for two primary reasons:
- To defend the harbor and town from potential invasion (primarily from the French).
- Crucially, to maintain control and surveillance over the civilian population of Port Louis in the tense period following the French Revolution of 1830 and the abolition of slavery.
- The Name: It was formally named Fort Adelaide in honor of Queen Adelaide, the wife of the reigning King William IV.
- Architecture: The fort is built from sturdy black basalt rocks in a distinctive, somewhat Moorish style. Interestingly, despite its military purpose, Fort Adelaide was never used for combat and remains one of the best-preserved British forts in Mauritius.
What to See and Do
The main attraction of a visit to La Citadelle is the commanding vista it provides:
- 360-Degree Panoramic View: From the top of the ramparts, you can capture breathtaking views of:
- The entire city of Port Louis, stretching out below.
- The busy Port and Harbour, watching ships enter and exit.
- The historic Champ de Mars Racecourse.
- The distinct Moka mountain range in the background.
- The Caudan Waterfront and the cruise terminal.
- Historical Exploration: Walk along the massive stone walls and explore the fort’s grounds. You can see several well-preserved cannons still positioned along the battlements, hinting at its original defensive role.
- Shopping: The former barracks within the fort have been renovated and transformed into a row of small boutiques selling local souvenirs, textiles, and handicrafts.
- Cultural Venue: La Citadelle occasionally serves as a dramatic backdrop for cultural events, concerts, and shows.
Visitor Information
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Petite Montagne hill, Port Louis |
| Opening Hours | Typically daily from early morning to late afternoon (check locally for exact times, as some sources vary, but generally 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). |
| Entrance Fee | Free (No admission charge). |
| Accessibility | The fort is easily reachable by car or taxi via an uphill drive. |
| Best Time to Visit | Late afternoon is highly recommended for cooler temperatures and to witness a spectacular sunset over the city and the Indian Ocean. |
Tip for Tourists
Combine your visit to Fort Adelaide with other nearby Port Louis attractions like the Central Market and the Caudan Waterfront to make for a full day of sightseeing in the capital.
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Fort Adelaide or La Citadelle