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 Home > Archives features > National monuments
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Welcome to the national monuments of Seychelles
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A nation learns its history from its monuments, for they are permanent reminders of the past. Seychelles monuments are distinguished either for their historical importance or scientific interest, or because they are aesthetic symbols that celebrate the social, political, cultural and economic achievements of the Seychelles Nation.
Beauvoir Cemetery
Officially opened in April 1883 for the burial of Catholic
missionaries, this small cemetery has now some one hundred tombs,
the oldest being that of a Sister who was buried in 1873. One of the
most prominent graves is that of Father Théophile, whose death, at the
age of 29 in April 1925, remains a mystery.
Bel Air Cemetery
The Bel Air Cemetery was the first official burial ground to be opened on Mahé,
soon after the establishment of the French settlement in the late 18th century.
Enigmatic figure whose bones are said to lie here was a Frenchman called Pierre-Louis
Poiret, who claimed to be the son of the ill-fated Louis XVI. Jean-Baptiste d’Argent,
son-in-law of Quéau de Quinssy. Jean-François Hodoul was successful corsair who settled
in Seychelles after making his fortune. He built two houses, Château Mamelles and Ma
Constance.
Bicentennial Monument
The Bicentennial monument, referred to in creole as the Moniman trwa lezel was erected in 1978 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the town of Victoria
Botanical Garden
A delightful variety of flowering plants and ferns, the gardens, which cover an area of approximately fifteen acres, contain several species of Seychelles endemic plants: latanier feuille, latanier hauban, bois sandal, vacoa marron… There have been several attempts to make an endemic corner.
Cascade Catholic Church
St. Andrew’s Church of Cascade makes a picturesque landmark for those approaching from the sea. It is acknowledged by all as one of the finest jewels in the crown of the Catholic Church in Seychelles.
Chateau Mamelles
The fact that this was once the home of Seychelles’ most famous corsair, Jean-François Hodoul, gives it a special significance. Built in 1804 at Les Mamelles, to the south of Victoria, it is a magnificent plantation house, thought to be among the oldest homes in Seychelles.
Diamond Jubilee Fountain
Since Seychelles was once a British Crown colony (1811-1976) it is not surprising that there is a National Monument that pays tribute to Queen Victoria. This is the Diamond Jubilee fountain, which is situated on Independence Avenue in front of the Supreme Court building in Victoria.
Freedom Square
Situated in the very heart of Victoria and believed to have been formed by the landslide of 1862, Freedom Square, formerly known as Gordon Square reflects the spirit of Seychellois solidarity and nationhood. During the protracted struggle for Independence (1964-1976), Freedom Square was the main rallying point for political meetings and demonstrations. It can be assumed that most of the wrathful cries of “Freedom” emanated from this particular part of Victoria.
Kenwyn House
Probably one of the noblest examples of Creole architecture, this splendid home is at Françis Rachel street, directly opposite the National Library building in Victoria. Built late 1800, now being used as a jewellery boutique.
La Bastille
La Bastille was built in 1930s by Mr. Ange Pillieron. Because of the imposing height and brooding impregnability, the inhabitants of Mahé felt that the name La Bastille agreed with the character of the building. Today La Bastille is appropriately occupied by the National Heritage division of the Ministry of Culture and Information. In the grounds there is a valuable medicinal plant garden, the Jardin La Bastille, which is of interest to herbalists from the Indian Ocean. For many of the locals it is a haunted place.
Other national monuments include:
La Domus
La Plaine Saint Andre
Les Palmes Theatre
Liberation Monument
Maison Blanche or White House
Maison du Peuple
Mission Ruins
Nageon's House
Old Government Secretariat
Pierre Poivre Bust
ST Paul's Anglican Cathedral
Sans Souci House or "1776"
SPUP/SPPF Museum
State House
State House Cemetery
Supreme Court Building
Victoria Clocktower
Anse Boudin Church
Baie STE Anne Church
Granite Boulder (La Digue Island)
La Digue Catholic Church
Plantation House (La Digue Island)
Doctor's House (Curieuse Island)
Plantation House (Silhouette Island)
Plantation House (Farquhar Island)
Gordon square (after General Charles Gordon of Khartoum)
For more information on these monuments or any other monuments,
please contact the National Heritage on +248 321333.
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