Cap Malhereux, at the North of the country, hosts the famous red-roof church surrounded by flamboyant trees with their pairing red tops during the summer. The fishing village takes its name back from 1810, when the British strategically landed here to defeat the French in a surprising inland attack from the North. Dozens of travelers pay a visit to Notre Dame de l’Auxiliatrice each day to admire the picturesque church overseeing turquoise waters and the island of Coin de Mire. On Sunday mornings mass is well attended by locals, given in Creole and accompanied by its cheerful chorus.
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If you are visiting the Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses you are just a few steps away from the beautiful church of St.Françoise d’Assise. Dating back to 1756 it is known as the oldest temple in the island, built on the command of roof and its façade, unfortunately, for safety reasons. However, its stained glass windows and the surrounding garden make it a pleasant temple to visit.
Curious hint: Just a few meters away lays a graveyard guarding coffins (and spirits) from more than 200 years ago.
Among the oldest churches in Mauritius, the intended place of worship for the habitants of Port Louis was first built in 1756, although far from serving its religious purpose it was requisitioned for military purposes during the Seven Years’ War.
After an exhausting story of cyclones, time and cracks in its walls, the church was rebuilt on 1814 based on its original plans, as a Latin cross when seen from the sky, to be finally open as the major place of worship in Port Louis.
The church has undergone several renovations since that time but, one thing that unfortunately has lost its glory of the days is the fountain found at the front of the Cathedral. This obelisque with four lion heads on each side used to carry water from the ‘Pouce Stream’ towards this part of the city. The ‘monument’ is still present nowadays but doesn’t provide any water.
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