Citadelle (Fort Adelaide) — Attraction in Isle Mauritius

Citadel Fort Adelaide also known as La Citadelle or Citadel of Fort-Louis is perched on the hill of Port-Louis, 'la Petite Montagne', a silent sentry watches over the capital of Mauritius, La Citadelle de Port Louis, also known as Le Fort Adelaïde.

Fort Adelaide attracts many eyes with its imposing silhouette and its black stone walls. Although the idea of ​​erecting a citadel had already been formulated in the 17th century by the French, the first layout of the present fortress actually dates back to 1830, by Sir Charles Colville, the third British governor.

The fort was originally built in order to protect the port from a possible invasion but also to tame any possible revolt of the local population, following the racial tensions of the time. Completed in 1840, the fort was never used for military or police purposes because tensions had already subsided. The Citadel of Port-Louis nevertheless remains one of the rare witnesses to the transition period between the abolition of slavery and the arrival of hired workers.

Named in honor of Adelaide, the wife of King William IV of England, whose initials and crown are cut in stone from the entrance pediment. Unlike Fort William and Fort Victoria (forts built during the British period), the Citadel did not fall into oblivion and decay; it is the only one still intact.

Built in basalt stones, the fort was designed by Colonel Thomas Cunningham and it testifies to the know-how of the craftsmen of the time.

The Citadel gives the best panoramic views of Port Louis, the Mauritian capital. View China town to the North, the harbour to the East and the Racecourse to the South. It is now a place of relaxation and discovery; in addition to the guided tours, the fort offers a museum, a restaurant, an art gallery and stalls.

I enjoyed seeing the vast topography of Ile Maurice, the atmosphere was serene, the air very clean and the blue skies ever romantic! . . Life is beautiful... Live your life and travel!!! I recommend you to visit this place whenever you are in Ile Maurice . .

“Go, fly, roam, travel, voyage, explore, journey, and discover nature in all her majesty.”

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The resort can be reached within ten minutes’ walk up the hill or by a vehicle through well-constructed roads. It is a superb place to watch the sunset.

Named after the Queen Adelaide, the fort has been built between 1834 and 1840, under the direction of William IV.

At 240 ft. above sea level, Fort Adelaide, also known as 'La Citadelle' has fulfilled the strategic purpose of guarding the harbour against enemy attacks and fires that broke in the city.

From this vintage point, you will find old buildings standing in juxtaposition to the modern skyscrapers. On your left, is the Champs de Mars, hard to miss for it is the only green patch in the busy city of Port Louis. The second oldest race track in the world. On the left being a mix of business centres and residential area and on the right being residential areas. An excellent view of the ‘Signal Mountain’, named for the numerous signal towers situated on it.

As you gaze towards the harbour front, the 4 cylinders of the Bulk Sugar Terminal stands proud, facing Le Caudan Waterfront, with the seawater reflecting the warm colours of the buildings.

The building is made up of rough yet huge rectangular blocks that have changed into grayish black color with the passage of time. Being made in Moorish style with horse shoe arches, it possessed quarters for the army water gallons and powder reserves. An underground tunnel was made to lead army swiftly directly to the harbor whenever the enemies attacked. The Fort was one of the four forts built for the purpose of defending the army from the attackers and safeguards the destructions unlike the other three forts like Fort William, Fort George, and...

The view up there is breathtaking... overlooking the whole city of Port-Louis ,360°.... The harbour,main seaport,the P- L/ Moka mountain Range...Plaine Verte.. WaaooaaW!

Just visited this fantastic place...

Tourists,both Mauritians & Internationals, will be greatly amazed by the wonderful sight/s offered to them.I may be repeating myself... but a must- stop - by !

An open- gym has just been planted at its top ,next to the VR frontly- labelled Fort Citadel / Fort Adélaïde built by Lieutenant Cunningham just before the mid - nineteenth century to repel French / local revolts...

It now forms part of the National Heritage under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.

The leeward- side (Arsenal St. , Inkerman St. towards Plaine Verte) is being terraced for a nice flowery environment ... embellished by the Ministry of Tourism ... another great attraction.

Lighting,Security, Parking..no problem at all ..

The Nature Track... Good initiative ! A treasure- hunt game can be organised family- / group- wise...thinking of School visits...What a joy for our kids !

History , Culture , Beauty , Fresh air ...all united in a spellbound environment... indeed! Satisfaction /...