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Photo: User:Wikihamish, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Horse racing track founded in 1812 and as such the second oldest in the world; and in 1968 this is the place where the island's independence was proclaimed. The racing season is between May and September, usually on Saturdays and it's a quite popular pastime with locals. To get a nice view of the races, climb to the Citadelle on the neighbouring hill.
The Champ de Mars Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse race track in Port Louis, Mauritius. The Racecourse was inaugurated on 25 June 1812, by The Mauritius Turf Club (MTC) which was founded earlier the same year by Edward Alured Draper, who served in different capacities, namely as Chief of Police, Colonial Secretary, Collector of Customs, Civil engineer, Registrar of Slaves, Magistrate and Colonial Treasurer. The Mauritius Turf Club is the oldest horse-racing club in the Southern Hemisphere and the second oldest in the world. The race track follows a very selective right hand oval path and is relatively small in size, with a circumference of 1,298 metres (4,259 ft) and width between 12 and 14 metres. The home-straight extends uphill and is 225 metres (738 ft) long. When Mauritius gained independence on 12 March 1968, the event including the flag hoisting ceremony was held here. Since then and for many years, the racecourse has seen the annual celebration of the accession to independence.
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Fort Adelaide
Built in basalt by the United Kingdom in 1840 and named after Queen Adelaide, it is the only remaining fort from this period of the island. Once Port Louis had four forts, and its only thanks to conservation efforts this one didn't end up ruined. The fort is on the top of a hill at the foot of the Moka Range and its purpose was to both to spot oncoming enemy ships on the sea and fires in the city. A 30-minute walk from downtown, it gives a wonderful view of the whole city. The place can be unsafe to visit on your own.
The Catholic Saint Louis Cathedral is one of the oldest churches on the island, it was finished in 1933 but there has been a church on the place since 1752. Designed by de Cossigny in Gothic style, it was built under Sir Robert Farquar as a place of worship for the people in Port Louis. Today, the cathedral finds itself in the middle of a busy city centre, and it's said that people pass through for a few prayers among their shopping sprees. In front of the church is a KFC, on the left side there is the State Bank of Mauritius, Western Union and the Supreme Court. On the right side is the Intermediary court and the Pope Henessy Police Station while at the back of the church is the Citadel Mall. Numerous food stalls and offices lie near the Cathedral.
City hall.
Rue du Vieux Conseil
One of the few car-free streets (more of an alley) of the city. Here you can admire the architecture of old Port Louis with less noise and traffic.
An old theatre, constructed in 1822 with 600 places. There are theatre performances in French and Creole English as well as jazz and classical music performances. To know about upcoming shows, check posters, read the newspapers or ask at the tourist information.
Parliament.