Levuka Historic Port Town

　　Levuka is situated on the east coast of Ovalau Island and is the capital of Fiji’s Eastern Division. It served as the capital of Fiji until 1882, when it was succeeded by Suva. Over the years, the city has applied for World Heritage status and was finally inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2013.

　　Levuka was established around 1820 and is the first European settlement in the Fiji Islands. It is the oldest city in Fiji and also the country’s first modern town. Serving as an important port and trading post, Levuka developed in the early 19th century as a hub of commerce. European and American settlers built warehouses, shops, harbor facilities, residences, religious buildings, educational institutions, and social organizations here. Levuka is a late-colonial port city that was profoundly influenced by the indigenous population — a rare example of a colonial port town where native structures outnumbered those of Europeans.

　　Levuka is one of the finest representatives of 19th-century Pacific port towns, reflecting how local traditional architecture was significantly shaped by European and American influences, resulting in a globally unique urban landscape.

　　Levuka Historical Port Town Reason to visit: One of the newest World Heritage Sites as of 2013 Continent: Oceania Country/Region: Fiji Province/State: Eastern Division City: Levuka