Kaz Zanana

The Kaz Zanana ruins on northern Praslin Island are a testament to Seychelles' early colonial period, built in the 1780s as a fortified warehouse for copra and vanilla. Later used to house enslaved workers, the two stone structures feature meter-thick coral limestone walls typical of French colonial architecture. After the abolition of slavery in 1835, the site fell into disrepair. Archaeological finds include Chinese porcelain shards and Indian trade beads, indicating extensive Indian Ocean commerce. Managed by the Seychelles Heritage Foundation, the site is a national monument. Its coastal location highlights the strategic importance of maritime trade routes. The ruins provide rare insight into the harsh realities of plantation life and the island's role in global trade networks. Restoration efforts in the 1990s stabilized the structures, now open to visitors as an open-air museum.

Nearby cities

Victoria

Victoria is the capital of the Seychelles and one of the smallest capitals in the world, known for its British colonial charm.

English River

A central district of Victoria, housing important government buildings and schools.

History & landmarks

Victoria Mosque

The only mosque in Victoria, an elegant religious structure reflecting the religious diversity of the Seychelles.

Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple

The only Hindu temple in the Seychelles, known for its colorful and ornately decorated tower (Gopuram) in the heart of Victoria.

Diamond Jubilee Monument

A historic monument in Victoria erected to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign.

Victoria Gymnasium

A central sports facility in Victoria used for indoor sports and various community events.

Peace Memorial

A monument in Victoria dedicated to the peace and unity of the Seychellois people.

Freedom Square

A central public square in Victoria often used for national celebrations and rallies.

Independence House

An important administrative building in Victoria, housing various government departments and ministries.

Central Bank of Seychelles

The distinctive building of the Central Bank in Victoria is a key economic landmark of the capital.

More places

St. Paul's Cathedral

The Anglican cathedral in Victoria, with origins dating back to 1859, known for its simple elegance.

Kenwyn House

One of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Victoria, a carefully restored 19th-century wooden house.

Victoria Clock Tower (Lorloz)

A landmark in the center of Victoria, erected in 1903 in memory of Queen Victoria and modeled after London's Big Ben.

Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market

Established in 1840, Victoria's main market is a living testimony to the history and trade of the islands.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

The country's largest Catholic church, an impressive French colonial style structure in the heart of the capital.

Carnegie Library

A historic library in Victoria, built in 1910 with funds from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Bicentennial Monument (Twa Zwazo)

A monument in Victoria erected in 1978 to mark the 200th anniversary of the town's founding, symbolizing the three continents of origin.

National Museum of History

Housed in the historic building of the former Supreme Court, the museum showcases the diverse history of the archipelago.