International Slave Route Monument – A Garden of Memory at Le Morne

At the foot of Le Morne Brabant—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—stands the International Slave Route Monument, a powerful tribute to the enslaved who sought refuge in the mountain’s caves and cliffs between the 18th and 19th centuries .

Crafted in 2008–09, the monument comprises a central statue surrounded by nine stone sculptures, each pointing toward the homelands or destinations of Africans and Asians who endured slavery—Mozambique, Madagascar, India, China, Malaysia, Haiti, Réunion, France, and Senegal . These inscriptions and forms honor the human stories embedded in Mauritius’s multicultural identity.

Visitors often pause in quiet reflection amid the sculptures and lush greenery, gazing toward the mountain peaks above—steeped in legend. Oral histories speak of enslaved individuals who, fearing re-enslavement after 1835's abolition, chose death over bondage, leaping from cliffs in a tragic act of defiance and ultimate sacrifice .

How to Visit & Honor the Site

Opening: Free and open daily; no formal hours.

Where: Located beside the public beach at Le Morne, its serene garden invites contemplation before or after a mountain hike.

Tip: Combine with a summit hike or walk up to the caves—early morning brings soft light and solitude.

Bring: Water, sun protection, sturdy shoes, camera, and a respectful heart—this is both a historical and spiritual space.

Honor: Stand still. Photograph the sculptures—flash-free—and read the engravings slowly to connect with their legacy.


Why It Matters

The monument is more than stone; it is a compass of remembrance. It anchors local and international narratives of slavery, resistance, and resilience. It connects past and present, linking Mauritians and global diasporas through shared memory and human endurance .

By visiting, you honor voices often lost to time. This garden of memory stands as both rebuke and remembrance—a testament to courage, loss, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom.

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Photo Credit: Atlas Obscura

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Madson Teagan @teaganmadson4207

Wow, this really hits home. Standing there makes me reflect on our shared heritage and how much we’ve come from this beautiful spot in the island. It’s a powerful reminder of resistance and resilience.
1 day ago

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Spahr Kellen @kellenspahr1127

The mention of such a monument really speaks to how history intertwines with nature, creating something both powerful and serene. It's incredible to think about the resilience these individuals must have shown to seek refuge in such a place. It’s a beautiful balance between remembrance and beauty.
1 day ago

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