St. Louis Cathedral, Port-Louis

St. Louis Cathedral, Port-Louis tickets: which one to buy

Saint Louis Cathedral stands on Place Monseigneur Leen in the centre of Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, a short walk from the Place d'Armes and the Caudan Waterfront, and entry is free. It is the Catholic cathedral of Port Louis and one of the main landmarks of the city. Walking tours of Port Louis combine the cathedral with the Central Market, the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO site recalling the arrival of indentured labourers, the Blue Penny Museum, the Chinatown district, the Jummah Mosque and Fort Adelaide on the hill above.

Many visitors come to Port Louis on a half-day trip from the beach resorts. The city is busy and hot on weekdays and quiet on Sundays. The cathedral is an active church, and visiting pauses during masses. Modest dress is appreciated. Taxis from the beach resorts to Port Louis can wait while you visit, and fares should be agreed in advance.

Visiting St. Louis Cathedral, Port-Louis: what to see

A church was built on the site in the eighteenth century during French rule, when Mauritius was called Ile de France, and it was dedicated to Saint Louis. After being damaged by cyclones, it was rebuilt several times, and the present cathedral dates from 1932 to 1933, with a facade of volcanic stone and two towers in a neo-Gothic style. Inside, the church is spacious and bright, with stained glass windows, wooden pews and an altar decorated with marble. The cathedral contains the tomb of Madame Mahe de La Bourdonnais, the wife of the French governor who developed Port Louis in the eighteenth century.

In front of the cathedral, the square has a fountain and trees, and the nearby Episcopal Palace, built in the eighteenth century, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The cathedral reflects the island's French heritage and its mixed Creole, Indian, Chinese and European population. The cathedral's stained glass windows show saints and scenes from the life of Saint Louis. The altar is framed by columns and a canopy. Memorial plaques commemorate bishops and notable Mauritians. The towers are visible from the harbour. The church can hold a large congregation, especially for major feasts. A statue of the Virgin stands in the courtyard. The cathedral is floodlit on special occasions.

St. Louis Cathedral, Port-Louis opening hours and the best time to go

The cathedral is open daily, with masses on Sundays and weekdays. Mauritius has a tropical climate, with a hot, humid summer from November to April, which brings a risk of cyclones, and a cooler, drier winter from May to October, which is the most pleasant season for city sightseeing. The feast of Pere Laval in September brings thousands of pilgrims to his shrine in Sainte-Croix, on the outskirts of Port Louis.

Chinese New Year, Diwali and Cavadee are also celebrated in the city. Allow about fifteen minutes for the cathedral, and walk to the Central Market and the Caudan Waterfront. The Caudan Waterfront has shops, restaurants and a craft market beside the harbour, a short walk from the cathedral.