The Maldives, an archipelago nation located in the Indian Ocean, is known for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. However, the Maldives also has a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its many landmarks and historic sites. In this article, we will explore some of the landmarks and historic sites of Maldives that are worth visiting.
Utheemu
Utheemu is an island in the Maldives’ northernmost region that is noted for its historical significance. Utheemu Ganduvaru, a palace built in the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, is located on the island. Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu is well-known for his efforts to free the Maldives from Portuguese dominion, and Utheemu Ganduvaru served as his home during this time.
The palace is a two-story wooden structure with beautiful carvings and decorations that is a great example of landmarks and historic sites of Maldives architecture. Visitors can tour the palace and learn about the Maldives’ history, as well as the role Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu played in its freedom.
Presidential Palace, also known as Mulee-aage
The Presidential Palace, also known as Mulee-aage, is the official residence of the President of the Maldives and is located in Male, the capital city. The palace was completed in 1906 under the reign of Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III, and it combines traditional Maldivian and colonial architecture.
Visitors can explore this one of the landmarks and historic sites of Maldives and learn about the Maldives’ history as well as the role the palace has played in the country’s political history. The palace is a gorgeous and spectacular structure that is a remarkable representation of the country’s architectural heritage.
The Tsunami Monument
On December 26, 2004, the Maldives was hit by a devastating tsunami that caused widespread destruction and loss of life. In response to this tragedy, the government of the Maldives commissioned the Tsunami Monument, which was built in memory of the victims of the disaster.
The monument is a beautiful example of landmarks and historic sites of Maldives located on the island of Male, the capital city of the Maldives. It is a simple yet powerful structure, consisting of a large black slab of granite with the names of the victims inscribed on it. The monument serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the resilience of the Maldivian people.
Sinamale Bridge
The Sinamale Bridge, also known as the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, is a historic infrastructure project that connects the islands of Male and Hulhumale. The bridge spans 2.1 kilometers and was built with the support of the Chinese government.
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The Sinamale Bridge is notable because it has enhanced connectivity between the two islands and has helped to alleviate traffic congestion in Male. It has also become a famous tourist destination and comes in the list of famous landmarks and historic sites of Maldives as the visitors enjoy the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from the bridge.
Jumhooree Maidhaan
Jumhooree Maidhaan, also known as Republic Square, is a historic site located in the heart of Male. It is a public square that has played a significant role in the political history of the Maldives.
The square has been the site of numerous political rallies and demonstrations over the years, including the historic pro-democracy protests in 2003 that paved the way for the country’s transition to a multiparty democracy. It is also the one of the landmarks and historic sites of Maldives when it comes to the ceremonies for National Day and Independence Day.
Old Friday Mosque
The Old Friday Mosque, also known as Hukuru Miskiy, is one of the oldest and most prominent landmarks and historic sites of Maldives. This mosque was built in 1656 in the capital city of Male and is entirely made of coral stones.
The mosque was initially designed to serve as the Maldives’ principal mosque, and it was utilized for Friday services until the twentieth century. Nowadays, the mosque is no longer used for prayers but is open to visitors who want to examine its unique design and rich history.
The coral stone mihrab, a recess in the wall that denotes the direction of Mecca, is one of the Old Friday Mosque’s most remarkable features. The mihrab is delicately carved with Arabic calligraphy and floral themes, and it is regarded as one of the finest instances of coral stone carving making it one if the best example of landmarks and historic sites of Maldives.
Visitors to the Old Friday Mosque can also tour the adjacent cemetery, which is the final resting place of numerous Maldivian monarchs and scholars.
Hulhumale Mosque
Hulhumale Mosque, also known as the Islamic Center Mosque, is a modern monument on the reclaimed island of Hulhumale in the capital city of Male. The mosque, which was completed in 2008, is one of the largest in the Maldives, with a capacity of 5,000 worshippers.
With its remarkable modern architecture and high minaret, the Hulhumale Mosque is an impressive landmarks and historic sites of Maldives to behold. The interior of the mosque is one of the stunning, with marble floors, ornate Islamic calligraphy, and stunning chandeliers. Outside of prayer times, the mosque is available to the public, and tourists can climb the minaret for beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Masjidhul Aisha
Masjidhul Aisha, commonly known as the Hulhumale Mosque, is a stunning mosque on the Maldives’ Hulhumale Island. The mosque was completed in 2008 and is named after Aisha, the Prophet Muhammad’s wife. Masjidhul Aisha is one of the largest mosques in the Maldives, with a capacity of about 1,500 worshippers.
The mosque’s construction is a blend of classic Islamic and modern forms, with a white dome and tower that stands out against the azure skies and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It is one of the example of the prominent landmarks and historic sites of Maldives.
Masjidhul Aisha is a renowned tourist destination as well as a place of worship. Visitors can marvel at the mosque’s magnificence and learn more about the Maldives’ Islamic heritage.
Medhu Ziyaarath
Medhu Ziyaarath is an old mosque and shrine in Male, the country’s capital. The mosque is thought to have been built in the 12th century by an Arab traveller named Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari. Medhu Ziyaarath is one of the important landmarks and historic sites of Maldives because it is thought to be the final resting place of various Sufi saints who were instrumental in propagating Islam in the region.
The architecture of the mosque is a fusion of Indian, Arab, and Maldives styles, with a striking red and white façade with elaborate carvings on the doors and windows. Medhu Ziyaarath is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims in the Maldives, although it is also open to visitors interested in learning more about the country’s Islamic tradition.
Kedeyre Miskiy
The Kedeyre Miskiy, commonly known as the Kedeyre Mosque, is a landmark in Male, the capital city. With a history dating back over 350 years, the mosque is regarded as one of the Maldives’ oldest and most notable mosques.
The Kedeyre Mosque was established in 1658 under the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I. The mosque was built using coral stones and boasts a unique blend of traditional Maldives architecture and Islamic design elements. Many important religious events and festivals, including Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha, were held at the mosque.
Vash Veyo
Vash Veyo also known as the Maldives Victory also comes in the list of famous landmarks and historic sites of Maldives. This vessel, which now rests at the bottom of the ocean, was once a cargo ship that operated in the Maldives in the 1980s. In 1981, the Maldives Victory sank in a storm, and its wreckage now serves as an underwater museum and a popular destination for divers.
The Maldives Victory is located in the South Malé Atoll, and visitors can explore the wreckage and its marine life with the help of a diving tour operator. The ship’s cargo holds are now home to schools of colorful fish, and visitors can also spot moray eels, turtles, and even reef sharks.
