The island of Sainte Marie, which is located off the northeast coast of Madagascar, is famous for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, which are very popular with vacationers. But this island is also distinguished by its fascinating maritime history. Indeed, in addition to its heavenly landscapes, Sainte Marie also has intriguing historical remains including the pirate cemeteries and the Forbans island.
Stories carved in stone
The pirate cemeteries constitute a tourist attraction in their own right on the island of Sainte Marie. They are silent witnesses to the golden age of piracy in the 17th century. During this period, this island provided an ideal hideout for makeshift sailors who invaded the Indian Ocean. This is mainly due to the topography of the island, with its isolated and hidden lagoons and bays.
At these cemeteries, we observe in addition to anonymous graves, stone steles or simple crosses planted in the ground. However, the names of famous pirates are engraved on certain tombstones. The veracity of these names, however, remains to be proven. Some names appear fictitious, others are coded, thus hiding the true identities of the pirates.
The legend of hidden treasures
The pirate cemeteries circuit also includes a visit to Île aux Forbans. This island had been used by pirates not only as a base for their expeditions and their stopovers, but it was especially on the top of this island that they watched for ships to attack. Today, a large observation tower has been built there to welcome tourists. On this tower, you have a breathtaking 360° view of the entire island of Sainte Marie.
Besides the presence of the tower, it is the enduring legend of hidden treasures that makes visiting this site fascinating. Many of these pirates buried their loot on the island before dying according to popular stories. Hence the arrival of many modern treasure hunters for several years to explore the depths of the island and in the ocean. They hope to discover the immense riches that have been hidden there for centuries.
The first permanent church in Madagascar
The last stop on the Pirates cemeteries tour consists of a visit to the Catholic church which has recently undergone a major renovation. This Catholic church in Ambodifotatra is the first permanent Catholic church built in Madagascar. This church has no connection with the stories of pirates, but it is simply one of the historical monuments of Madagascar.
Rasamy