Most Visited Monuments in the Maldives – Historical and Culture Charm of the Maldives

Standing in the southern part of Male, the capital, Tsunami Monument pays tribute to the lives lost back in 2004. If you look closely, you’ll see that the monument is a nod to the many buildings and private homes that were destroyed. The monument has become quite the meeting point for locals and foreigners – all thanks to the surf spot nearby. Planning a visit? Then get ready to enjoy some water activities on your way back.

You might think that in the Maldives, points of interest are all about water sports. While that is mostly true, there’s so much more to do – take a look at Mulee'age Palace. With a history going back to 1906, the palace was built as a gift to the sultan’s son. In later years, it became the presidential house – the transition coincided with the overthrow of the sultan back in 1936. The building is a stunning example of colonial architecture. So, whether you’re a student of architecture or just wish to admire beautiful buildings, a visit to the palace is a must. Mulee-Aage Palace is located in Male, so you might want to visit it on your first day in the Maldives. But if you’re staying at a place like Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, you can, of course, ask the resort to arrange a tour for you.

If you walk towards the eastern end of Mulee'aage Palace, you’ll see Medhu Ziyaarath. Believed to be dedicated to Abu al Barakaath Yusuf al Barbari, this religious site is a must-see for a deeper insight into Maldivian culture. The significance of the monument stems from the fact that Abu al Barakaath Yusuf al Barbari introduced Islam to the Maldives. For foreigners, however, it’s all about the stunning views. The best part is that there’s no entrance fee!

Love all things historical? Then take yourself to the Tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu. This is where Mohammed Thakurufaanu lies. According to historical records, he took it upon himself to fight against the Portuguese colonists. The tomb sits at the heart of the city, so getting here is easy. Locals flock here to reminisce and pay respects to the national here. This is one of the free attractions in the Maldives.

To get a glimpse of the country’s religious allure, visit the Friday Mosque. As the name suggests, the mosque is in Male, so you can either visit on your first day in the Maldives or get your resort to arrange a tour for you. The mosque has a long history dating back to 1658, which makes it all the more fascinating. Thanks to the intricate architecture and the beautiful design of the mosque, it is now included in the heritage list of the UNESCO. The simple beauty of the mosque is simply breathtaking, and it’s an ode to Islamic culture and architecture.

With a history dating back 900 years, Koagannu Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the country. The purpose of the cemetery was to create a resting place for the first Muslims in the Maldives. The cemetery also carries intriguing secrets, and there’s a tombstone dedicated to the royal family.

This temple harks back to a time when Buddhism was the predominant religion in the Maldives. This is a heritage site discovered in the 1950s. Inside, a collection of Buddha relics was found. Today, the temple serves as a token of times gone by. It houses a vast collection of relics, including Roman coins. If you want to see another side of the Maldives, consider visiting the Thoddoo Buddhist Temple.