Citadel Fort Adelaide, also known as La Citadelle, is a military fort located in Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius. The fort was built by the British in the early 19th century to defend the island from potential attacks by other European powers. This historical landmark is one of must-visit places in Port Louis.
Check this ultimate travel guide to Citadel Fort Adelaide in Port Louis; get up-to-date information on how to visit, best time to go, how to get there and other details for first time visitors.
Citadel Mauritius History
Construction of Fort Adelaide began in 1834 and was completed in 1840. The fort was named after Queen Adelaide, the consort of King William IV of the United Kingdom. It is located on a hill overlooking the city of Port Louis and the harbor, and was designed to be a strategic defense point against naval attacks.
During the British rule of Mauritius, the fort served as a military barracks and also housed the island’s governor. After Mauritius gained independence from Britain in 1968, the fort was turned over to the Mauritian military and is now used as a training center.
Fort Adelaide is an important historical site in Mauritius and is open to the public for tours. It is a popular tourist attraction in Port Louis, offering panoramic views of the city and the harbor. You can see Chinatown and the famous Champ de Mars.
How to reach Citadel Fort Adelaide in Port Louis
There are several ways to reach Fort Adelaide in Port Louis, Mauritius. Check its location on the map:
- By car: Fort Adelaide is located on the outskirts of Port Louis, and is easily accessible by car. You can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the fort.
- By bus: Port Louis has a good public bus system, and you can take a bus to reach the fort. Buses to the fort depart from the main bus terminal in Port Louis.
- By foot: Fort Adelaide is located on a hill, and it is possible to walk to the fort from the city center of Port Louis. It will take about 30 minutes to reach the fort on foot.
- By taxi: Taxis are readily available in Port Louis, and you can take a taxi to reach the fort. It is recommended to negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand.
- By tour: There are several tour companies in Port Louis that offer guided tours to Fort Adelaide. These tours usually include transportation to and from the fort, as well as a guided tour of the fort.
If you would like to join full day tour and visit Fort Adelaide, Red Roof Church, Botanical Garden and other landmarks, click here to make your reservation.
Once you reach the fort, you will need to purchase a ticket (ticket fee is 50 MUR) to enter the fort and explore the grounds. The fort is open to the public from 8:00am to 4:00pm, closed on weekend.
Things to know before you visit Fort Adelaide in Port Louis
Photography is allowed at Fort Adelaide, but be respectful to the historical significance of the site and refrain from taking photos of any restricted areas.
There are guided tours available at Fort Adelaide, which provide more information about the history of the fort and its significance. These tours are conducted in English and are included in the ticket price. According to tourists’ reviews this place can be visited as a part of sightseeing tour, no necessity to plan spending whole day there.
Accessibility: The fort is located on a hill and may not be easily accessible for people with mobility issues. There are stairs leading up to the fort, and there is no wheelchair access.
Nowadays, many cultural events are taking place at Fort Citadel. It is used as a place for local and international festivals, exhibitions and concerts.
Facilities: There are restrooms and a snack bar available at the fort, but it is recommended to carry water with you as it can get hot and humid in Mauritius. There is also a gift shop at the fort where you can purchase souvenirs. Also, there you can find jewelry shop.
FAQ
Citadel Fort Adelaide offers great views on the capital of the island – Port Louis, its beaches, harbour and racecourse. Looking away from the harbor, you can see the mountain ranges fringing the city. Except of contemplating the views, there is nothing to do there. There were telescopes for better views but they were broken.
This sight is usually visited as a part of day tour. You can expect many visitors to come to see Fort Adelaide early in the morning or during evening hours. One hour will be enough to visit the fort, so no need to book it separately in advance.
You can include visit to Citadel Fort Adelaide as one of the places to visit during the day. But it’s better to join one of day tours. Visit to Fort Adelaide is usually combined with shopping in Port Louis and visit to the northern part of the island. If it doesn’t work for you, book private transfer and create itinerary in accordance with your interests.
