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Royal College Curepipe

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Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)

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The Royal College Curepipe is among the oldest and most esteemed secondary schools in Mauritius, with origins stretching back to 1791. Originally established in Port Louis, the institution later relocated to the cooler uplands of Curepipe to provide a better environment for learning. The current main hall, completed in 1914, is a magnificent example of colonial stone architecture. Its grand facade and classical columns were intentionally designed to echo the style of Buckingham Palace, symbolizing academic authority and imperial connection. The college is legendary for its rigorous curriculum and has been the alma mater of numerous Mauritian prime ministers, scientists, and industry leaders. Known locally as the 'Stone Building,' it stands as a monument to the nation's intellectual heritage and the value placed on academic merit. For those visiting Curepipe, the college is a significant historical landmark that captures the essence of the island's transition from colonial rule to independence through the power of education.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727262523222223242526
Rain mm127113124794732282629313448

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
As an active prestigious educational institution, the imposing stone building is typically admired from the outside. Visitors are generally not permitted to enter the classrooms to ensure students are not disturbed.
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Typical hours
Since it is a functioning school, the grounds are most bustling during regular weekday school hours. Viewing the impressive exterior architecture can be done at any time during daylight hours.
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Photography
The historic stone facade provides an excellent subject for exterior photography, especially in the morning light. Please be respectful of the students' privacy and avoid taking close-up pictures of individuals.
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Time needed
A brief stop of about fifteen to twenty minutes is usually sufficient to appreciate the architecture and take some photos. It is generally a quick addition to a broader tour of the central plateau towns.
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Combine with
This site pairs well with exploring the broader town of Curepipe, including the nearby botanical gardens or the extinct Trou aux Cerfs volcano. Both offer a relaxing contrast to the urban educational setting.
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Getting there
Situated centrally in Curepipe, the college is easily reachable by local buses, taxis, or rental car from other parts of the island. Parking nearby can be slightly challenging during peak school drop-off and pick-up times.
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Insider tip
Since the weather in Curepipe is often cooler and more prone to sudden rain than the coastal areas, carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella is always a smart idea when exploring the town's historical landmarks.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.31750, 57.51950

Facts

  • The stone building was completed in 1914.
  • Architecture resembles the facade of Buckingham Palace.
  • Founded as the colonial Lycée de l'Île de France.
  • Located in the center of Curepipe.
  • Famous for its competitive laureate scholarship system.
  • Oldest state secondary school in Mauritius.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Curepipe Town HallCurepipe Town Hall<1 km · NExplore →
Phoenix Beverages FactoryPhoenix Beverages Factory3 km · SEExplore →
Takamaka Boutique WineryTakamaka Boutique Winery3 km · SExplore →
Mare aux VacoasMare aux Vacoas4 km · SWExplore →
VacoasVacoas5 km · SExplore →
Bois ChériBois Chéri5 km · WExplore →
MidlandsMidlands5 km · NExplore →
Ebène CybercityEbène Cybercity5 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Royal College Curepipe (4)

Église Sainte-Thérèse

Catholic church in Curepipe, built in the 19th century.

Curepipe Botanic Gardens🌳 park

Botanic garden with native and exotic plant species.

Domaine Des Aubineaux - Tea Museum🏛 museum

Tea museum in an old colonial house, showcasing the history of tea cultivation.

The Millenium Tower

Observation tower in Curepipe, offering panoramic views of the city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Royal College Curepipe?
It is an active school and therefore not freely accessible to tourists.
Is the architecture worth seeing from the outside?
Yes, the colonial building is an architectural highlight in Curepipe.
Where exactly is the building located?
It is centrally located in Curepipe, near the city center.
How do you get there?
Best reached by bus or taxi to Curepipe city center.
When is the best time for an outside photo?
Weekends are quieter as there are no classes.
Royal College Curepipe: where is it located?
Royal College Curepipe is located in Mauritius.
Royal College Curepipe: what is there to see?
Highlights include Église Sainte-Thérèse, Curepipe Botanic Gardens, Domaine Des Aubineaux - Tea Museum.
Royal College Curepipe: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Royal College Curepipe: why is it worth visiting?
The Royal College Curepipe is among the oldest and most esteemed secondary schools in Mauritius, with origins stretching back to 1791.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Port Louis — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius and the country's economic hub.
Vacoas-Phoenix — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Vacoas-Phoenix
Vacoas-Phoenix is one of the most populous municipalities in Mauritius.
Vacoas — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Vacoas
Vacoas is located in the heart of the island and is known for its cooler temperatures.
Bassin — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Bassin
Bassin is a residential village in the Plaines Wilhems district, near Quatre Bornes.
Beau Bassin — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Beau Bassin
Beau Bassin is part of the larger Beau Bassin-Rose Hill urban area in the center of the island.
Curepipe — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Curepipe
Curepipe, also known as 'La Ville Lumière', is the highest town in Mauritius.
Triolet — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Triolet
Triolet is one of the longest villages on the island, located in northern Mauritius.
Goodlands — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Goodlands
Goodlands is a bustling village in northern Mauritius that serves as an important economic hub for the region.
Bambous — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Bambous
Bambous is the administrative capital of the Rivière Noire district in the west.
Mahébourg — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Mahébourg
Mahébourg is a historic coastal town in the southeast of the island.
Saint Pierre — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre is a centrally located village in the Moka district.
Le Hochet — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Le Hochet
Le Hochet is a densely populated village in the Pamplemousses district, just north of the capital Port Louis.
Riche Terre — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Riche Terre
Riche Terre is located on the outskirts of Port Louis.
Baie du Tombeau — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Baie du Tombeau
Baie du Tombeau is located on the northwest coast and is a mix of residential and industrial zones.
Trou aux Biches — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Trou aux Biches
Trou aux Biches is an upscale coastal village in the northwest.

History & landmarks

Curepipe Town Hall — Royal College Curepipe (Mauritius)
Curepipe Town Hall
A fine example of colonial wooden architecture in the center of Curepipe.