Saint Louis Cathedral, Port Louis
Saint Louis Cathedral stands as one of the island's most historic and revered religious landmarks. Constructed in 1815 and elevated to cathedral status in 1847, it is a prominent example of Gothic architecture in Mauritius. Although the church's foundational plans were drawn up in 1736 and the land was officially confirmed in 1750, it was not until 1756 that the initial church structure was completed. This makes Saint Louis Cathedral a significant site of religious and historical importance, as a church has stood on this location since 1752.
The Cathedral has played a central role in the Catholic community of Mauritius. Each week, Catholic worshippers gather here for prayer and religious ceremonies, making it the most popular religious building on the island. The structure reflects the Gothic style with its intricate details and towering presence, embodying the architectural and spiritual heritage of the time.
Saint Louis Cathedral is also notable for its role as the burial site for several bishops. Following Catholic tradition, bishops are interred within the cathedral itself, and to date, six bishops, including Mgrs Hankinson, Meurin, O’Neil, Bilsborrow, Leen, and Cardinal Margéot, who was buried in July 2009, rest beneath the choir tiling. This practice underscores the cathedral's importance as a spiritual and historical repository for the island’s Catholic leaders.
The Cathedral has played a central role in the Catholic community of Mauritius. Each week, Catholic worshippers gather here for prayer and religious ceremonies, making it the most popular religious building on the island. The structure reflects the Gothic style with its intricate details and towering presence, embodying the architectural and spiritual heritage of the time.
Saint Louis Cathedral is also notable for its role as the burial site for several bishops. Following Catholic tradition, bishops are interred within the cathedral itself, and to date, six bishops, including Mgrs Hankinson, Meurin, O’Neil, Bilsborrow, Leen, and Cardinal Margéot, who was buried in July 2009, rest beneath the choir tiling. This practice underscores the cathedral's importance as a spiritual and historical repository for the island’s Catholic leaders.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Port Louis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Saint Louis Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: Saint Louis Cathedral
Sight Location: Port Louis, Mauritius (See walking tours in Port Louis)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Port Louis, Mauritius (See walking tours in Port Louis)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Port Louis, Mauritius
Create Your Own Walk in Port Louis
Creating your own self-guided walk in Port Louis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Port Louis Introduction Walking Tour
Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is a colorful blend of French, Indian, and African influences. Nestled on the northwest coast of the island, this major commercial port boasts a wealth of colonial past carefully preserved and reflected in local architecture.
Initially a Dutch harbor known as Harbour of Tortoises in 1606, the city became the administrative center of Mauritius under French... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Initially a Dutch harbor known as Harbour of Tortoises in 1606, the city became the administrative center of Mauritius under French... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles