Mahé Island is known to be the largest island among the 115 that form the Seychelles archipelago. It boasts the state’s capital city, Victoria, as well as one of the smallest capitals in the entire world.
There are numerous smaller capitals elsewhere in the world: San Marino or Vatican City, for instance, or a handful of tiny Pacific Island capitals. However, Victoria’s population of approximately 26,450 people is relatively small, and this number only accounts for a quarter of the country’s overall population.
Don’t be fooled by its size – this little capital has witnessed centuries of big change. With a history coloured by explorers, empires, and independence, Victoria is the very pinnacle of the resilience and richness of Seychelles. And the best way to discover all its secrets? Jump into a rental car from Kreol Services and take to Victoria’s streets on your own terms. From colonial monuments to bustling markets and seafront promenades, every turn uncovers a piece of the island’s incredible story.
A History of Seychelles
Did you know that Seychelles was originally sighted by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama? Yes, you read that right! In 1502, on his second voyage to India, da Gama sailed across the Indian Ocean and is reported to have discovered the islands but never set foot on them, founded them, or claimed them in the name of Portugal.
Integration with French Culture
The islands were actually claimed by France in 1756 led by Captain Nicolas Morphey, where he placed a “stone of possession” on Mahé and named the archipelago “Seychelles” after Jean Moreau de Séchelles, the then French Minister of Finance. The city was founded in 1778 when the American Revolutionary War was raging, Australia’s penal colony existed only in imagination, and most of Africa was untouched by Europeans. It was a port, a harbour, a humble way-stop to elsewhere. The new settlement – which from all accounts was a modest granite and wooden town – was called L’Établissement du Roi, which means “the King’s establishment”.
The French constructed the architectural style of the capital like the low homes with curved balconies and wood-and-granite houses. Although it’s sad to say, but this era also included the introduction of enslaved people from Africa and with the eventual freeing of these people, led to the formation of the Creole population. The blending of cultures, languages, and traditions is deeply rooted in this French colonial era. The most widely spoken language among islanders is Creole, otherwise referred to as Seychellois Creole, a French-based Creole that serves as a sign of the linguistic and cultural heritage they left behind.
British Roots
Later, in 1810, the British took control of the Seychelles during the Napoleonic Wars when they seized the island from the French. The islands were formally colonialised by the British in 1814. Colonial times also changed the architecture of the capital to construct government buildings and historical places such as the National Museum of History which was initially the Supreme Court Building in 1885.
Originally called the settlement L’Établissement, the British later renamed it Victoria in 1841, after Queen Victoria. Although Victoria was founded before, it was not made a city until 1960 during British colonial times which also made Victoria the administrative capital of Seychelles, creating the foundation for the present government activities.
It’s a Replica of Big Ben
Along the main street stands the clock tower, which is a miniature replica of London’s famous Big Ben, brought to Victoria in 1903 and referred to as the Victoria Clock Tower. This may be one of the most recognised monuments and represents British colonial influence. The British also played a prominent role in the development of roads, residential areas, and administrative buildings. Additionally, they laid the groundwork for Port Victoria, which was further expanded in the 1970s. As an island nation, this port remains essential for trade, fishing, and tourism.
Seychelles became independent from Britain in 1976 where previously, it had been a British colony since 1814, following the French being ousted by the British. In the 1960s, the Seychellois began requesting greater control over the government. They acquired a new constitution in 1970 with a measure of autonomy. And then, in 1976, after peaceful negotiations, Seychelles achieved complete independence.
Tiny in population but towering in tales. Victoria is not just one of the world’s smallest capitals today, but it is also a living testament to Seychelles’ rich and complicated heritage. From its French origins and British colonial history to its struggle towards independence, each street, monument, and building is replete with stories to tell.
Regardless of whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for paradise with depth, with Kreol Services, you will be able to witness all the rich history Victoria’s capital has to offer. Contact us now.
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