Cultural sightseeing in Maldives. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

The Maldives is a multinational island state. It is located very close to the equator on more than 1190 islands. Some of them are small coral islands, which only slightly protrude above the surface of the water. There is something to do besides the beach holidays here despite the small size of the state. Lighthouses, historical buildings, exotic bungalows, houses with unique architecture, natural attractions, and museums will allow you to diversify your leisure time.

Maldives is associated with luxurious beaches, endless sea, atolls, and luxurious bungalows on the water. Actually, the country's unique coral Islands, sea, and beaches are the main attractions. However, the inquisitive tourist will also find some interesting creations of human hands. Sultan Park in the capital Male is one of the must-visit places. This is almost the only island of greenery in the capital. The Royal family lived in the palace, which surrounds the park, in the past. This makes it a place of historical significance. Modifications were made to the park after the Maldives became a Republic. It is open to the public today. You can visit the garden on your own or as part of a group on any day except Friday. Only a part of the former Royal Palace has survived to the present time. The National Museum is located there today. It is worthy of a separate visit. You can see artifacts and various archaeological finds in the museum. They allow you to trace the history of the country from ancient times to the present days.

Male is the smallest capital in the world. It is so densely populated that the municipality and local residents were forced to make certain efforts to increase the area. A new island called Hulhumale has been created artificially. Part of the population of the capital moved there. In general, Male is a typical Asian megalopolis. It will be interesting for tourists from Europe. Friday Mosque (Malé Hukuru Miskiy) is one of the oldest buildings in the country. It was built by the order of Sultan Iskandar I at the end of the XVII century. Elements of decoration and tombstones in the cemetery surrounding the mosque are carved from coral. Although coral is a soft material and can be easily cut when wet to give the desired shape, the material becomes durable when it dries. The unique maritime style of the mosque has made it a candidate for the World Heritage list. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Various events and conferences are held at the Islamic Center in Male. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and a rich library are located in the same building. It has 6 floors. It is located opposite the Presidential Palace. The Grand Mosque which is located at the Center is the largest in the Maldives and one of the largest in South Asia. It can accommodate about 5,000 people. It is quite difficult to imagine this in a small island country. The builders were not able to place the mosque so that it faced Mecca due to the terrain and dense development. Therefore, believers have to navigate using patterns on Pakistani carpets that cover the floor. You can also visit the National Gallery with works of local artists in Male. You have the opportunity to view administrative buildings here. This is the former presidential Palace (it is the courthouse today), the Parliament, and the office of the President. The presidential Palace of Mulee'aage was built in the early XX century. It is a sample of colonial architecture.

One of the shrines most revered by the country's Muslims is located opposite the Friday Mosque. This is tomb Medhuziyaarai. It can be identified by a white flag. Abu al-Barakat Yusuka al-Barbari was buried in the tomb. He brought Islam to the country in the distant XII century. He arrived in the Maldives from Tabriz in Iran. According to legend, he managed to ward off an evil genie who was taking girls away from the Islands by reading the Koran. The tomb is made of coral blocks.

You can also find historical attractions on Marado Island. Britain established a protectorate over the country in the late XIX century. Britain granted independence only in 1965. Prison and remains of the British naval bases are located on Marado. The Portuguese came to the Maldives in the middle of the XVI century. But they didn't stay long here. They were expelled during the revolt raised by Muhammad Takurufanu in 1573. He is considered a national hero. His tomb in Male is a place of worship and pilgrimage.

The Hulhumale Mosque is a modern building of unusual architectural style. It accommodates 1,500 people. The mosque is named after Sheikh Qasim bin Al-Thani. Amazing nature is the main attraction of the islands. You should visit the stunning beaches of Veligandu Island, Alimatha Island, Banana Reef, Hulhumale, Bodu Mora (Vaavu Atoll), and Kunburudhoo beach (Haa Daalu Atoll).