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Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery

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Landmark
—°8
Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery (Mauritius)

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The Dutch Cemetery at Vieux Grand Port is a site of profound historical significance, marking the earliest chapter of permanent European settlement on Mauritius. Established by the Dutch, who claimed the island in 1598, this small graveyard served the administrative capital of the colony. Tucked away beneath the sprawling canopy of ancient banyan trees, the cemetery contains graves dating back to the 17th century. The tombstones are remarkably simple, crafted from local volcanic rock, and reflect the austere conditions faced by the early sailors, soldiers, and officials of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Many of the inscriptions have been worn away by centuries of tropical weather, yet the site remains a poignant reminder of the lives lost in the pursuit of expanding maritime trade routes. Located near the ruins of Fort Frederik Hendrik, the cemetery has a quiet space for reflection on the fragile beginnings of modern Mauritian society and the early interactions between Europeans and the island's unique ecosystem.

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
The old Dutch cemetery at Vieux Grand Port is an open-air monument and can be visited anytime for free. The site is small, fenced, but accessible.
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Typical hours
As it is an open historical site, there are no visiting hours. Daytime visits are recommended as it can get dark and rough in the evening.
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Photography
Photography is unrestricted to capture the old tombstones and surroundings. The site has a quiet, reflective atmosphere suitable for evocative shots.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 15-20 minutes to view the tombstones and reflect on history. The site is small but historically significant.
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Combine with
The cemetery is located in Vieux Grand Port, near the ruins of the first Dutch settlement. Combine the visit with the neighboring ruins and Grand Port beach.
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Getting there
Vieux Grand Port is accessible by car via the coastal road from Mahebourg. Parking is possible near the site along the road.
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Insider tip
Visit the cemetery early in the morning when the air is still cool and the quiet enhances the historical atmosphere. Bring insect repellent as mosquitoes are common near the water.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.37250, 57.71120

Facts

  • Site of the first landing in 1598
  • Region: Vieux Grand Port
  • Historical monument since 1958
  • Near the ruins of Fort Frederik Hendrik
  • Oldest European burial sites on the island
  • Remains of Dutch settlers

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Frederick Hendrik MuseumFrederick Hendrik Museum<1 km · NEExplore →
Fort Frederik HendrikFort Frederik Hendrik2 km · NExplore →
Battle of Vieux Grand Port MonumentBattle of Vieux Grand Port Monument2 km · WExplore →
OlivierOlivier3 km · NWExplore →
Domaine de l'EtoileDomaine de l'Etoile3 km · EExplore →
Ile des Deux CocosIle des Deux Cocos4 km · WExplore →
Plaisance Industrial EstatePlaisance Industrial Estate6 km · SWExplore →
SebastopolSebastopol6 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 Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery (8)

Vieux Grand Port public beach

Monument of intoduction of Sugarcane to Mauritius

Monument to the Dutch first landing

Frederik Hendrik Museum🏛 museum

South-Eastern Viewpoint

Lion Mountain

Eastern Viewpoint

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is this cemetery historically important?
It commemorates the early Dutch settlers.
Is it freely accessible?
Yes, it is publicly accessible.
How much time is needed?
15-30 minutes are sufficient.
Is the area well-maintained?
It is a historical site, so it appears more natural.
Is parking easy there?
Parking is possible on the roadside nearby.
Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery: where is it located?
Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery is located in Mauritius.
Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Vieux Grand Port public beach, Monument of intoduction of Sugarcane to Mauritius, Monument to the Dutch first landing.
Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery: why is it worth visiting?
The Dutch Cemetery at Vieux Grand Port is a site of profound historical significance, marking the earliest chapter of permanent European settlement on Mauritius.
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🗺️
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Mahébourg — Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery (Mauritius)
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Olivier — Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery (Mauritius)
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Le Hochet — Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery (Mauritius)
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Riche Terre — Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery (Mauritius)
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Mont Choisy — Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery (Mauritius)
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History & landmarks

Curepipe Town Hall — Vieux Grand Port Dutch Cemetery (Mauritius)
Curepipe Town Hall
A fine example of colonial wooden architecture in the center of Curepipe.