Published on : Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Going round Victoria, the Capital of the Seychelles, the buildings with their model architecture triumph. Putting Victoria, the Creole Capital of the World under microscopic lenses, the town opens up to an amazing array of historical sites and monuments of historical importance for Seychelles and for humanity.
For many people who walk up and down the town of Victoria, home to many sites that bear witness to Seychelles colonial times, the protection work by Seychelles is often taken for granted. In 2007, Victoria heritage sites and monuments were censured and four routes of Seychelles historical sites were brought about. Walking along Victoria’s first circuit, the clock tower (little Big Ben) stands as an imposing emblematic symbol of the island’s British era on Independence Avenue.
Kenwyn House Victoria, one of the oldest and most noble French colonial architectures of Seychelles looms high on Francis Rachel Street. The second circuit encompasses State House Avenue stretching to the garden of State House and its landmark building and monuments. On the corner of Market Street, Kantilal Jivan Shah’s 20th Century colonial building on Albert Street wears its history well marking the third historical circuit.
Countless historical sites and monuments are still preserved on the third historical route which goes round in circuit encompasses Albert and Quincy Street. Last but not least the fourth historical route up to Quincy Street to Bel Air and Serret Road. On this circuit, the French Cemetery of Bel Air, Marie Antoinette Restaurant and Kaz Zanana are places not to miss. Discovering Victoria’s historical routes will this year feature as one of the main events of Festival Kreol 2013.
Marcel Rosalie, Programme Coordinator of Discovery Victoria Heritage Routes says that as Seychelles earmarked its capital as the Creole Capital of the World, Festival Kreol is an opportune time to educate the public on one of the most vital segments of culture: historical routes and sites.
“It is important that we showcase the identity of our town that makes us claim to the world that it is the Creole Capital of the World. The historical routes are easy to follow, they vary in length and are well marked with distinctive signs posted. We want the public to discover these sites and learn more about Seychelles history” Marcel Rosalie said.
On the corner of Francis Rachel Street, a sign board has been erected with the four historical routes in Victoria. In a bid to give more visibility to these routes, in 2007 National Heritage Week, the Mayor of Victoria, Ministry of Community Development Sports and Culture and an association grouping mayors of French speaking countries compiled a brochure of Victoria’s historical routes. The brochure is on sale at the National Heritage and National History Museum and History Museum. The coordinator of discovery Victoria heritage route is appealing to the public to rally around the event and give their support.
Source:- Seychelles Tourism Board
Tags: Victoria
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