Martello Tower Museum (La Preneuse) | Tamarin

Information

Landmark: Martello Tower Museum (La Preneuse)
City: Tamarin
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Martello Tower Museum (La Preneuse), Tamarin, Mauritius, Africa

The Martello Tower Museum is a restored 19th-century coastal fortification located at La Preneuse in the Black River district of Mauritius. It stands as a historical monument representing British military architecture and the colonial defense strategy of the Indian Ocean.

Visual Characteristics

The tower is a robust, circular masonry structure built from dark volcanic basalt blocks and lime mortar. It features walls nearly three meters thick at the base, tapering slightly as they rise to a height of approximately 10 meters. The single entrance is located on the first floor, originally accessible only by a removable ladder for defense. The flat roof serves as a gun platform, still housing a revolving 24-pounder cannon.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated on Coastal Road at La Preneuse Beach. Access from Port Louis is via the A3 coastal road heading south toward Black River.

Parking: A public parking area is available at La Preneuse Beach, adjacent to the tower.

Public Transport: Bus route 123 (Port Louis to Rivière Noire) stops on the main road, followed by a 400-meter walk down to the coast.

Entry: Access to the interior is restricted to museum operating hours (Tuesday to Friday 09:30–17:00, Saturday 09:30–13:00).

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed by the British Royal Engineers between 1832 and 1835, this is one of five Martello towers built in Mauritius to defend against potential French naval attacks. Its design was modeled after a Genoese tower at Mortella Point, Corsica. The structure was strategically positioned to command the entrance to the Black River bay and protect the local freshwater supply.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided tours provide access to the three internal levels: the basement (magazine and water cistern), the first floor (officers' and soldiers' living quarters), and the roof. Visitors can examine the intricate pulley and track system of the rooftop cannon. The museum displays period artifacts, including copper kitchenware, uniforms, and ammunition. The adjacent La Preneuse beach is suitable for swimming in the shallow lagoon.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms and outdoor showers are located in the beach park surrounding the tower. There is stable 4G/5G cellular signal. Shaded areas are provided by large Filao trees on the shoreline. Several restaurants and a supermarket are located within a 500-meter radius on the main road. The museum interior is not wheelchair accessible due to steep, narrow stone staircases.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is best visited on weekday mornings to avoid weekend beach crowds. For photography, the late afternoon (16:00–18:00) provides warm lighting on the basalt facade and allows for sunset views over the ocean. The museum is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays.

Facts & Legends

A unique historical feature of the tower is its rainwater harvesting system; a central lead pipe collected water from the roof and funneled it into a 15,000-liter underground cistern, allowing the garrison to survive long sieges. While the towers were built at great expense, none in Mauritius ever fired a shot in actual combat, as the feared French invasion never occurred.