Victoria history

The history of Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, is a fascinating narrative of colonial times, strategic importance, and cultural blending. The city, situated on the north-eastern coast of Mahé Island, serves not only as the administrative hub but also as the historical heart of the archipelago.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city began in 1778, when French colonists established a settlement on this site. It was originally named Port Royal. This move was part of France's strategy to strengthen its influence in the Indian Ocean. Following the Napoleonic Wars, under the Treaty of Paris, the Seychelles came under British control. In 1841, the British renamed the settlement Victoria in honour of their queen.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Victoria was driven by several important factors:

• Geographical Location: The city grew around a natural deep-water harbour, which was an ideal port for vessels travelling between Africa and Asia. This harbour remains the only major port in the Seychelles today.
• Trade: Victoria quickly became a centre for the export of valuable resources. During the colonial period, the economy was based on plantations growing vanilla, coconuts (for copra production), and cinnamon.
• Political Power: With the arrival of the British, Victoria consolidated its status as an administrative centre. The main governing bodies of the colony were located here, which contributed to its growth and development.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning of its existence, Victoria was a meeting place for different cultures. French settlers, African slaves, and later Indian and Chinese traders and indentured labourers formed a unique Creole society that defines the cultural character of the capital today. The early economy depended entirely on agriculture and maritime trade. The city's architecture still preserves traces of the colonial past, combining French and British features, giving Victoria a special charm.

Key Dates in the History of Victoria

• 1778 — French colonists establish a settlement on Mahé Island, initially named Port Royal.
• 1794 — During wars with France, Great Britain seizes control of the Seychelles Islands.
• 1814 — Under the Treaty of Paris, the Seychelles officially become a British possession, administered from Mauritius.
• 1835 — The abolition of slavery in the British Empire leads to changes in the social and economic structure of the islands.
• 1841 — The British rename Port Royal to Victoria in honour of Queen Victoria.
• 1903 — The Seychelles receive the status of a separate Crown Colony, and the famous Clock Tower, a smaller replica of London's Little Ben, is erected in the centre of Victoria in memory of the Queen.
• 1960 — The settlement officially receives city status.
• 1971 — The Seychelles International Airport opens near Victoria, giving a powerful boost to tourism development.
• 1976, June 29 — The Seychelles proclaim independence from Great Britain, and Victoria becomes the capital of the new republic.
• 2004 — The city was partially affected by the tsunami caused by the earthquake in the Indian Ocean, which led to the destruction of one of the major bridges.

Key Milestones in the Development of Victoria

The history of Victoria is not just a succession of eras, but a consistent transformation from a small colonial post into a lively economic and cultural centre. Below are the main stages that defined the modern appearance of the capital of the Seychelles.

• Foundation of the Port and Administrative Centre (1778-1841): Established by the French as Port Royal, the city served as a strategic harbour from the very beginning. After passing under British control in 1841 and being renamed Victoria, it firmly established itself as the administrative heart of the colony. This laid the foundation for future urban and political development.
• Symbol of New Status — The Clock Tower (1903): The erection of a miniature copy of London's Big Ben in the city centre marked an important moment — the Seychelles receiving the status of a separate Crown Colony. The tower became not only an architectural landmark but also a symbol of Victoria's growing importance as a capital.
• Centre of Plantation Economy (19th — mid-20th centuries): For decades, the port of Victoria was a key hub for the export of copra, vanilla, and cinnamon. This economic model shaped the city's trade infrastructure and facilitated the influx of labour from Africa, India, and China, which laid the foundations of the unique Creole society.
• Receiving City Status (1960): The official recognition of Victoria as a city was a formal confirmation of its growth and central role in the life of the archipelago.
• Opening of the International Airport (1971): The construction of the airport near Victoria was a revolutionary event. It reoriented the economy from agriculture to tourism, turning the capital into a gateway for travellers from all over the world and providing a powerful impulse for infrastructure development.
• Capital of an Independent State (1976): With the proclamation of independence of the Seychelles, Victoria received the status of the capital of a sovereign republic. This strengthened its political and cultural significance, making it the seat of the government and national institutions.
• Expansion through Land Reclamation (Late 20th — Early 21st centuries): Given the limited space on Mahé Island, large-scale land reclamation projects were implemented. This allowed for the expansion of the city limits, creating new areas for residential and commercial development, as well as a modern marina, which significantly changed the coastline and infrastructure of Victoria.

The architectural appearance of Victoria is a vibrant mosaic in which the colonial past, tropical climate, and cultural diversity are intertwined. Unlike many world capitals, there are no monumental Gothic cathedrals or massive Baroque palaces here. The uniqueness of the city lies in the so-called "Creole style," which adapted European traditions to the conditions of life on the equator.

Colonial Era: Creole Style and Victorian Heritage

The period from the 19th to the first half of the 20th century formed the historical core of the city. The architecture of this time is characterized by practicality and elegant simplicity.

• Traditional Creole Style: This is the dominant trend in the old part of the city. Buildings were constructed from timber with high stone foundations for protection against moisture. Characteristic features include spacious verandas around the perimeter, louvred windows for ventilation, and steep corrugated iron roofs.
  Iconic example: Kenwyn House — one of the oldest and best-preserved mansions, demonstrating the elegance of French colonial architecture.
• Victorian Style: The influence of the British Empire can be traced in administrative and public buildings. The style is strict but functional.
  Iconic example: The Clock Tower (Lorloz) — the main symbol of the city, erected in 1903. It is a miniature replica of the tower installed at Victoria Station in London, made of cast iron in the Victorian style.

Religious Architecture: Eclecticism and Multiculturalism

The spiritual life of the city is reflected in the variety of religious structures that stand side by side, creating a unique ensemble.

• Neo-Gothic and Classicism: The Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with its columns and arches, refers to French architectural traditions of the mid-19th century. The Anglican St. Paul's Cathedral, in contrast, is executed in a more restrained manner typical of British colonial churches.
• Dravidian Style: A bright colour accent of the city is the Hindu temple Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar. Its richly decorated gopuram tower with numerous sculptures of deities contrasts sharply with the surrounding buildings, bringing elements of South Indian architecture to the city's appearance.

Modernity: Modernism and Functionalism (from the 1970s)

After gaining independence and opening the country to international tourism, Seychelles began to actively build modern structures. This period is characterized by the use of concrete and glass, as well as a striving for functionality.

• Bicentennial Monument: A white geometric sculpture of three curved wings, symbolizing the unity of ethnic groups (African, European, and Asian), represents an example of modern abstract art and urban design of the late 20th century.
• New Districts: The modern development of the city follows the path of expanding territories through reclaimed lands. Areas like Roche Caiman and the artificial Eden Island are built up with modern villas, shopping centres, and marinas, reflecting the global style of resort architecture of the 21st century.

The urban structure of Victoria remains compact and pedestrian-friendly. The city retains the charm of a small settlement, where historic wooden shops neighbour modern banks, and the bustling Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market remains the living heart of the capital, uniting all architectural eras under one roof.

Jean Moreau de Séchelles (1690–1761)

Role: Controller-General of Finances of France under King Louis XV.

Historical Significance: Although this French aristocrat and politician never visited the islands, his name is immortalized in the name of the entire archipelago. In 1756, when France claimed rights to the islands, they were named in his honour as a sign of respect for his high position in the kingdom.

Corneille Nicholas Morphey

Role: Captain of the French Navy.

Historical Significance: It was Captain Morphey who led the expedition in 1756 that officially established French authority over the archipelago. He installed the "Possession Stone" on Mahé Island, which remains a historical artifact kept in the museum to this day. He also gave the largest island the name "Isle de Séchelles" in honour of the finance minister, which marked the beginning of the modern name of the islands.

Queen Victoria (1819–1901)

Role: Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Historical Significance: Despite never having visited the archipelago, her name is inextricably linked with the capital. In 1841, when the Seychelles came under British control, the main town of Port Royal was renamed Victoria in her honour. Later, in 1903, the famous Clock Tower — a smaller copy of London's Big Ben — was installed in the city centre, serving as a monument to the Queen and a symbol of the British era in the islands' history.

Antoine Abel (1934–2004)

Role: Writer, poet, and playwright.

Historical Significance: Antoine Abel, born on Mahé Island, is considered the "father of Seychellois literature." He was the first author to write in Seychellois Creole, as well as in French and English, and the first whose works were published in Europe. In his works, he explored the folklore, nature, and daily life of the islanders. Abel worked as a teacher at the Teacher Training College in Victoria, making a huge contribution to the development of national culture and language.

France-Albert René (1935–2019)

Role: Politician, second President of the Seychelles.

Historical Significance: René came to power in 1977 and ruled the country for 27 years, until 2004. His rule was an era of a one-party socialist system, during which large-scale social reforms in education and healthcare were carried out, transforming the Seychelles into one of the most developed countries in Africa. His policies had a deep and long-term impact on the modern appearance of Victoria and the entire state.

Sir James Mancham (1939–2017)

Role: Politician, first President of the Republic of Seychelles.

Historical Significance: A native of Victoria, James Mancham became a key figure in the country's independence movement. After gaining sovereignty from Great Britain in 1976, he assumed the post of the first president. His rule was short-lived, as he was overthrown in a coup d'état in 1977. Subsequently, he became an advocate for national reconciliation and democracy.