15 Historical Places You Can Explore in Maldives

The Maldives is celebrated for its pristine white-sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, but beyond its luxurious resorts lies a profound historical and cultural heritage. This Indian Ocean archipelago has been shaped over centuries by Buddhist, Islamic, and colonial influences. In this guide, we explore 16 of the Maldives’ most notable historical sites, offering a closer look at its rich traditions, architecture, and past.

# Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque), Malé

Built in 1656, Hukuru Miskiy is the Maldives’ oldest mosque and a UNESCO tentative site. Crafted from coral stone and adorned with intricately carved wooden doors, it showcases a unique blend of Islamic and Maldivian architecture. The ornate mihrab and decorative calligraphy reflect the nation’s rich religious history. Non-Muslim visitors need prior permission, but even an exterior view offers a culturally enriching experience.

# Mulee Aage Palace, Malé

Located opposite Hukuru Miskiy, Mulee Aage Palace is a colonial-era royal residence constructed in 1906 during Sultan Shamsuddeen III’s reign. Its vibrant coral-colored façade and ornate design once served as the presidential residence. Though not open to the public, it stands as a prominent landmark, offering insight into early 20th-century Maldivian royalty and political life.

# National Museum, Malé

Situated in Sultan Park, the National Museum of Maldives houses an extensive collection of royal artifacts, Islamic relics, and remnants from the pre-Islamic Buddhist era. Highlights include 11th-century coral carvings, royal thrones, and traditional attire. The museum bridges the nation’s Islamic identity with its Buddhist past, making it essential for understanding Maldivian history.

# Utheemu Ganduvaru (Utheemu Palace), Utheemu

The ancestral home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, Utheemu Ganduvaru is one of the Maldives’ most significant heritage sites. Located on Utheemu Island, the preserved wooden palace offers a glimpse into the life of the hero who resisted Portuguese colonization in the 16th century. Visitors can explore antique furnishings, traditional architecture, and relics reflecting the leadership and valor of one of the nation’s greatest rulers.

# Kalhu Vakaru Miskiy, Malé

Originally built in the 18th century and relocated across islands before returning to Malé, Kalhu Vakaru Miskiy is renowned for its precisely interlocking coral blocks, timber roof, and intricate carvings. Though no longer in regular use for worship, it exemplifies traditional Maldivian craftsmanship and cultural preservation, standing as a testament to the island nation’s spiritual and architectural heritage.

# Thoddoo Buddhist Temple Ruins

The ruins on Thoddoo Island offer a rare glimpse into the Maldives’ Buddhist past before the 1153 AD conversion to Islam. Hidden beneath tropical foliage are scattered stupas and coral mounds that tell stories of a bygone religion. Though not fully excavated, these remnants provide an offbeat experience for history enthusiasts and a window into early Maldivian civilization.

# Villingili Cemetery, Malé Atoll

One of the Maldives’ oldest Islamic burial grounds, Villingili Cemetery features intricately carved coral tombstones and centuries-old graves. Nestled on the tranquil island of Villingili, it reflects Islamic traditions and reverence for the deceased, offering a contemplative and historically rich experience for visitors.

# Isdhoo Buddhist Ruins, Laamu Atoll

Located on Isdhoo Island in Laamu Atoll, these ruins are among the largest remnants of the Maldivian Buddhist era, featuring extensive stupas and temple foundations with some coral carvings intact. Isdhoo also holds historical significance as one of the first sites of Islam adoption. The site fascinates both archaeologists and cultural travelers for its dual spiritual legacy.

# Dhiyamigili Palace Ruins, Thaa Atoll

The remains of Dhiyamigili Palace on Dhiyamigili Island belonged to Sultan Giyath al-Din in the 18th century. Its coral stone foundations and fragmentary walls hint at the grandeur of a royal residence. Despite the effects of time and nature, the ruins allow visitors to imagine the architectural excellence and political significance of that era.

# Fenfushi Friday Mosque, Alif Dhaal Atoll

Fenfushi’s Friday Mosque is another striking coral-stone mosque, reminiscent of Malé’s Old Friday Mosque. Featuring detailed calligraphy, wooden interiors, and traditional roofing, it demonstrates local craftsmanship. Situated on a quiet island, the mosque offers a serene atmosphere and exemplifies sustainable building methods using coral and native wood.

# Vashafaru Old Mosque, Haa Alif Atoll

Although modest compared to other Maldivian mosques, Vashafaru Old Mosque holds deep spiritual importance. Constructed from coral stones and timber, it is among the earliest mosques built after the Islamic conversion. Its simplicity, hand-carved mihrab, and traditional roof reflect the early Islamic spirit in a remote island setting.

# Kooddoo Buddhist Ruins, Gaafu Alif Atoll

Kooddoo Island hosts remnants of Buddhist stupas and temples, partially hidden under dense vegetation. While not fully excavated, these ruins offer a raw glimpse into pre-Islamic Maldives. Coral stones shaped for ritual purposes hint at the island’s ancient spiritual practices, providing an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience.

# Koagannu Cemetery, Meedhoo, Addu Atoll

Koagannu Cemetery is the oldest Islamic cemetery in the Maldives, holding national historical significance. Adorned with intricately carved coral tombstones dating back to the 12th century, it reflects early Islamic influence in the southern islands. Many scholars and religious figures are buried here, and its seaside location creates a serene, contemplative setting.

# British Loyalty Shipwreck, Addu Atoll

This WWII-era British oil tanker, torpedoed by a German submarine, now rests off Gan Island. The shipwreck has become a notable historical monument and a diving hotspot. At 33 meters underwater, it offers an eerie yet captivating glimpse into the reach of global conflicts to even the remote Maldives.

# Hulhumalé Old Harbor Area, North Malé Atoll

Though Hulhumalé is a modern planned city, its old harbor area preserves traditional Maldivian maritime life. Once a bustling hub for cargo and fishing dhonis, the piers, boat-building workshops, and local dockworkers offer a window into the islands’ enduring connection with the sea. It’s a quiet, historical experience tucked within a contemporary setting.