10 Must-visit Historical Places in The Maldives

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Maldives Tourism? Sparkling beaches, luxury resorts, watersports, and exotic islands. . . Interestingly, this small island country in South Asia also holds some of the best historical places. The Maldives is home to several ancient historic sites that depict the rich heritage and culture of the Maldivians. So, why don’t you have a read and find out the top historical places in the Maldives for a perfect vacation?

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Historical Places In The Maldives

Male Friday Mosque
The Kongannu Cemetery
Medhu Ziyaaraiy Shrine
Grand Friday Mosque
Thoddoo Buddhist Temple
Tomb of Muhammad Thakurufaanu
Isdhoo Buddhist Stupas
Darumavanta Rasgefanu Mosque
Ali Rasgefaanu Ziyaaraiy
Kuruhinna Tharaagandu

1. Male Friday Mosque

The first place to enter the top historical places on the Maldives list is Male Friday Mosque. Also, this mosque is one of the oldest surviving mosques in the Maldives and dates back to the year 1658. Guess what? This beautiful mosque was listed in the UNESCO tentative World Heritage Cultural List 2008. The Male Friday Mosque is simple and beautiful in its own way. The main highlight of this mosque is the intricate carvings. So, make sure you have a look at the architecture part of the mosque on your Maldives tour packages.

2. The Kongannu Cemetery

A click in a cemetery — Image Credits: Unsplash

The Kongannu Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries which you will find in the beach paradise. This 900 years old cemetery was built to bury the first Muslims of Addu, Atoll. Most of the royals and scholars are buried here hundreds of years ago and this place is believed to hold many secrets.

3. Medhu Ziyaaraiy Shrine

Medhu Ziyaaraiy Shrine is undoubtedly one of the most famous historical places in the Maldives. This place is considered as the shrine of Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary. According to the folklore, he was a Moroccan scholar who was responsible for the advent of Islam in the Maldives in 1153 AD. It is believed that he helped the Maldivian people to get rid of a sea demon and later the king agreed to convert himself and his people to Islam in order to show respect to Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary. It is believed that whoever visits Medhu Ziyaaraiy Shrine will be blessed and will have the courage to fight demons.

4. Grand Friday Mosque

A click of Grand Friday Mosque covered with trees — Image Credits: Unsplash

Well, here is another mosque on the list of top historical places to visit in the Maldives. Interestingly, Grand Friday Mosque is the biggest mosque in the Maldives. This mosque not only attracts spiritual seekers but also attracts architecture lovers. In addition, the white marble, wooden carvings, Arabic calligraphy and the golden dome are some of the main highlights of this mosque.

5. Thoddoo Buddhist Temple

Thoddoo Buddhist Temple is a huge example of how Buddhism flourished in the Maldives. This temple was discovered in 1950 and has the remains of Buddhist artefacts, roman coins and silver relics. Also, it is said that a Buddhist statue was buried in the nearby area. At present, this temple has become a significant tourist and religious spot, so, don’t miss visiting this extraordinary temple by booking one of the best Maldives honeymoon packages.

6. Tomb of Muhammad Thakurufaanu

The Tomb of Muhammad Thakurufaanu is located in Malé. Muhammad Thakurufaanu was a national hero who liberated the nation from the Portuguese colonial rule. You will find the tomb in blue and white colours with crafted steps and pillars. As soon as you enter the tomb you will be able to feel the sacrifice and bravery of Muhammad Thakurufaanu. So, make sure you visit this place and also pay your respect to this great warrior.

7. Isdhoo Buddhist Stupas

The Isdhoo Buddhist Stupas is a perfect place in the Maldives which proves that Buddhism was practised in the Maldives. You will be able to find ruins of Buddhist Stupas. Most of them are completely destroyed and was replaced with mosques after the Maldivians were converted into Islam. Still, the Isdhoo Buddhist Stupas stands as a proof for Buddhism in the Maldives.

Don’t forget to read: Religious Belief in Maldives

8. Darumavanta Rasgefanu Mosque

Darumavanta Rasgefanu Mosque is one of the oldest mosques built in the Maldives. This mosque was named after the king who ruled the Maldives during the time of construction. This mosque is one of the famous places in the Maldives since the old days. Also, the highlight of the Darumavanta Rasgefanu Mosque is the decorated designs and the carved portal.

9. Ali Rasgefaanu Ziyaaraiy

Ali Rasgefaanu Ziyaaraiy is the tomb of Ali Rasgefaanu who is also known as the king of Ali VI. The tomb also gives you information regarding the life journey of Ali Rasgefaanu Ziyaaraiy. He was always known as the warrior of the Maldives and holds a special place in the local’s hearts. In addition, you will also find a mosque within the compound. So, once you are done visiting the tomb, you can also have a look at the mosque and seek blessings.

10. Kuruhinna Tharaagandu

The final one to enter the list of top historical places in the Maldives is Kuruhinna Tharaagandu. Kuruhinna Tharaagandu is an archaeological site on the island of Kashidhoo. This site holds a lot of history and is predicted to be a former Buddhist Monastery.

A guy praying inside the mosque — Image Credits: Pexels

Also Read: Facts About Maldives That You Would’ve Never Guessed

FAQs on Historical Places In The Maldives

Q: Do Maldives have historical sites or cultural landmarks to explore?

A: Yes, Maldives does have some historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy) in Male, Kuruhinna Tharaagandu in Kashidhoo and more.

Q: Are Maldives’ historical places safe for tourists?

A: Indeed, the Maldives’ historical places are considered safe places for tourists. But still, it is advisable to take general safety precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and follow local regulations.

Q: When is the best time to explore historical sites in the Maldives?

A: The dry season, from November to April, is ideal to explore historical sites in the Maldives.

Q: Is it possible to visit local-inhabited islands in the Maldives?

A: Yes, tourists can visit inhabited islands and experience local Maldivian life closely.

Q: Are guided tours provided for exploring historical sites in the Maldives?

A: Absolutely, you can partake in guided tours to learn in depth about each historical place you are exploring in the Maldives.

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Well, most of us never knew that the Maldives had these many historical places, right? The Maldives is more than you think so ensure you explore all kinds of places on your vacation. Now that you know the top historical places in the Maldives, get ready for an amazing vacation. All you need to do is head to the Pickyourtrail website and check out the amazing Maldives honeymoon trip and Maldives tour packages.