Dauban Mausoleum | Silhouette Island

Information

Landmark: Dauban Mausoleum
City: Silhouette Island
Country: Seychelles
Continent: Africa

Dauban Mausoleum, Silhouette Island, Seychelles, Africa

The Dauban Mausoleum is a historical burial site located on Silhouette Island in the Seychelles archipelago.

This structure serves as the final resting place for members of the Dauban family, who were prominent landowners on the island.

Visual Characteristics

The mausoleum is constructed from coral stone and granite. Its exterior walls are painted a pale cream color. The structure features a rectangular footprint with a pitched roof covered in dark grey tiles. A prominent arched entrance is situated on the north-facing facade. The interior contains multiple burial niches and a central sarcophagus.

Location & Access Logistics

The Dauban Mausoleum is situated in the central part of Silhouette Island, approximately 1.5 kilometers inland from La Passe village. Access is via a paved walking path from the main resort area or La Passe. There is no vehicle access directly to the mausoleum. The nearest parking is at the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa. Public transport on Silhouette Island is limited to resort shuttles and taxis for specific arrangements.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Dauban Mausoleum began in the early 20th century, commissioned by the Dauban family. It was built to inter family members who passed away on the island. The Dauban family owned Silhouette Island from 1867 until the 1960s, developing its infrastructure and agricultural operations.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the architectural details of the mausoleum. The site is accessible for quiet contemplation. Walking the path to the mausoleum offers views of the island's interior vegetation.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no dedicated amenities at the mausoleum site itself. Restrooms and food vendors are available at the nearby resort and in La Passe village. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is mid-morning or late afternoon when the sun angle provides softer light on the coral stone. The dry season, from May to October, offers the most pleasant weather conditions for walking to the site.

Facts & Legends

A specific detail of interest is the use of locally sourced coral stone, which required significant manual labor to quarry and transport to the construction site. Local lore suggests that the mausoleum was built to ensure the Dauban family's continued presence and influence over Silhouette Island, even after death.