Aapravasi Ghat: UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mauritius
A Historic Site of World Importance
Located in Port-Louis, the capital of Mauritius, the Aapravasi Ghat is a historic site of vital importance to both the island and world history. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006, this complex of stone buildings is much more than a mere architectural relic: it bears witness to a crucial chapter in the history of mankind and the formation of modern Mauritian society.
The Story of Unprecedented Immigration
From the Abolition of Slavery to Commitment
Following the abolition of slavery in the British colonies in 1834, the colonial authorities sought a new workforce to maintain agricultural production, particularly sugar production. Thus was born the system of "indentured labor", a form of contract labor that was to profoundly transform Mauritian demography and culture.
A historical entry point
Built in 1849, the Aapravasi Ghat (meaning "Immigrant Depot" in Hindi) served as the main point of entry for almost 500,000 indentured laborers, mainly from India, but also from China, Africa, Madagascar and Southeast Asia, between 1849 and 1923. These men and women arrived after an arduous journey at sea, generally lasting between 6 and 10 weeks.
An International Model
What began in Mauritius as a British colonial experiment soon became a model replicated in over 70 countries around the world. The Aapravasi Ghat thus represents the first site of an organized migration that was to affect more than two million people worldwide during the 19th century.
Site configuration and architecture
Preserved Vestiges
Today, only a few of the original structures remain, but these remains are still invaluable:
- The stone steps: sixteen emblematic steps that all immigrants had to climb when they arrived on the island.
- The reception buildings where new arrivals were registered
- Temporary accommodation areas
- The hospital where immigrants were examined
- Bathrooms and sanitary facilities
Functional Colonial Architecture
The site's architecture reflects the British colonial style adapted to tropical conditions, with :
- Building with local basalt
- Roofs designed to withstand cyclones
- A natural ventilation system
- Inner courtyards for easy supervision and organization
The Visitor Experience
The Museum Interpretation Centre
Adjacent to the archaeological site, the interpretation center offers an immersive experience that helps visitors understand :
- Travel conditions from India
- The arrival and check-in process
- Contracts offered to hired workers
- Daily life on the plantations
- The cultural and social legacy of this mass migration
Period objects, historical documents, photographs and audio-visual testimonies enrich this educational experience.
Practical information for visitors
- Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, Saturday 9am to 12pm (closed Sundays and public holidays)
- Rates Admission is generally free for the site itself, but a small fee may be charged for the interpretation center.
- Guided tours : Available in several languages (English, French, Hindi, Creole)
- Recommended duration : 1h30 to 2h for a complete visit
- Accessibility The site has been designed to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility.
Cultural and social heritage
Formation of the Mauritian Society
Over 70% of today's Mauritian population is descended from these indentured workers. The Aapravasi Ghat thus represents the point of origin of a profound demographic and cultural transformation that has shaped Mauritius' unique multicultural identity.
A Place of Remembrance and Reconciliation
Beyond its historical value, the Aapravasi Ghat has become :
- A place of pilgrimage for the descendants of indentured workers
- A symbol of resilience and human dignity
- A space for commemoration and collective reconciliation
- A testimony to the sacrifices made by past generations
Around the Aapravasi Ghat
Discover Port-Louis
A visit to the Aapravasi Ghat fits perfectly into a wider exploration of Port-Louis:
- Central Market (a few minutes' walk)
- The Blue Penny Museum and the Caudan Waterfront
- The Natural History Museum
- Temples, mosques and churches reflecting religious diversity
- The colonial architecture of the historic district
Special Events
Several celebrations and commemorations take place on the site every year:
- November 2: Day commemorating the arrival of the first indentured workers (1834)
- Temporary exhibitions on the history of engagism
- Lectures and cultural activities organized by the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund
Conservation and Research
The Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund, established in 2001, works actively to preserve the site and further historical research. Extensive documentation work is underway to reconstruct the individual journeys of the immigrants and understand their contribution to Mauritian society.
A Symbol of Mauritian Diversity
The Aapravasi Ghat is not just a historical site, it's a living symbol of the birth of a multicultural nation. It is a reminder of how people of diverse origins have contributed, through their work and traditions, to create the unique cultural mosaic that characterizes Mauritius today.
By visiting this place steeped in history, you will not only discover a monument to the past, but also gain a better understanding of the foundations of contemporary Mauritian society and the universal importance of preserving the memory of the migrations that have shaped our modern world.
Info +:
Free
Opening hours :
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Closed on Sundays and public holidays
Accessible child and stroller
Wheelchair accessible
Toilets
Bus routes: Click here
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A place steeped in history, interesting and little-known