The Blue Penny Museum
One of the most important museums in Port Louis is the Blue Penny Museum, since it exhibits the famous “Blue Mauritius” stamp, that is one of the most rare and precious in the world. Besides that, the museum also offers insights in Mauritius’ history, brought to life through ancient maps, documents and sculptures. Old paintings of Port Louis, displayed right next to current photographs of the very same spots vividly present the development of Mauritius’ capital. Moreover, you can read the famous story of Paul et Virgine, a tragic novel about two young lovers set on the island of Mauritius during the French rule. Many paintings and also sculptures accompany the story displaying various scenes.
The Postal Museum
The Mauritius Postal Museum is located in the capital Port Louis, not far from the Blue Penny Museum and the Waterfront. For 150 Rupees (approx. 4 Euros) you can learn more about the history of the development of the postal system in Mauritius, starting with the first mails in 1638 by the Dutch. For children, there are low hanging boards with short and simple explanations, so that this experience is also interesting for the little ones. The museum has only three exhibition rooms, but they are well equipped. The uniforms of the former postal employees are impressively exhibited and give a good impression of the postal world at that time. The exhibition of a large variety of stamps forms the heart of the museum and is therefore particularly recommended for stamp collectors and lovers. The famous Blue Mauritius cannot be seen as it could be assumed in the Mauritius Postal Museum but in the Blue Penny Museum.
Aapravasi Ghat – World Heritage Site
In case you are interested in learning about the story of the Mauritian people and how their ancestors came to migrate to this beautiful island, the Aapravasi Ghat (derived from Hindi meaning “the landing place of immigrants”) is the key monument in Mauritian history and therefore the place where you will have your questions answered.
The Aapravasi Ghat complex was the administrative center for immigrants between 1834 and 1924. It particularly gained importance after slavery was abolished and indentured labor (you can find out more about its meaning and implementation at the site) was introduced as an alternative. Its roles included more than merely receiving newly arrived immigrants, it also functioned as the office where immigrants paid fees and taxes, registered civil status documents, obtained official identification papers and remitted money to their families abroad. These procedures ended when the indentured workers left the Aapravasi Ghat for the sugar estates on which they would work.
Almost half a million workers passed through the Aapravasi Ghat before receiving the allowance to genuinely enter the island and thereby begin a new life on Mauritius. For this reason, the UNESCO recognized its significant role in social history and officially declared it a World Heritage Site in 2006.
Good to know:
Visitors do not have to pay an entrance fee.
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