Le Morne Cultural Landscape

　　Le Morne Cultural Landscape is situated in the southwest of Mauritius. Its rugged cliffs extend dramatically into the Indian Ocean and served as a sanctuary for escaped slaves during the 18th century and the early 19th century. Due to its remote location, dense forests, and towering cliffs, runaway slaves established small settlements in the caves and on the summits of the mountain.

　　Through oral traditions passed down by escaped slaves, Le Morne has become a powerful symbol representing their struggle for freedom, the suffering they endured, and the sacrifices they made—all of which are tied to the homelands of those who fled: the African continent, Madagascar, India, and Southeast Asia. In fact, Mauritius, once a key hub in the eastern slave trade, is also known as the "Republic of the Runaways" because of the large number of escaped slaves who lived on Le Morne.

　　Le Morne Cultural Landscape Reason to visit: The most renowned site associated with escaped slaves Continent: Africa Country: Mauritius Province/Region: Black River District