LE MORNE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF MAURITIUS
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PHOTO CAPTION: Le Morne Cultural Landscape. SOURCE: mauritiusattractions.
Located on a peninsula, southwestern of Mauritius and at the foot of Le Morne Brabant Mountain, Le Morne Cultural Landscape is a basaltic mountain which served as a sanctuary for escaped slaves, known as maroons during the 18th and 19th centuries of colonial rule.
Le Morne Cultural Landscape, stands 556 meters above sea level and is surrounded by a lagoon. The mountain’s steep cliffs and natural defenses made it a perfect hiding place.
During colonial times, Le Morne was a safe place for escaped slaves who were running away from the tough life on plantations. Sadly, there are stories that some of slaves jumped to their deaths from the mountain because they thought they were going to be captured again. These stories have made Le Morne an important and emotional part of Mauritius’s history.
Le Morne stands for the worldwide fight for freedom and respect for all people. It is a special and meaningful place for Mauritians, especially for the Creole community. Every year on February 1st, people gather there to remember the end of slavery in Mauritius.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne is a popular destination for hiking and cultural tourism. Efforts have been made to preserve the site’s natural beauty and historical significance, ensuring that the legacy of the maroons endures.
