Discover a whole new facet of this intense island: visit the most beautiful religious buildings on Reunion Island!
Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island is a verdant nugget bathed by crystal-clear waters that beckon relaxation and adventure. Known for its beautiful landscapes and surf spots, it is also appreciated for its authentic atmosphere, rich culture and fabulous diversity. Here, beliefs and spiritualities blend harmoniously to create a colorful mosaic into which we plunge with curiosity and benevolence.
During your stay, you won’t want to miss the many buildings that bear witness to the importance of faith on the island. Churches, mosques, temples and pagodas are all part of the scenery. If you look up, you might just catch a glimpse of a minaret piercing the blue sky. At the bend in the road, you’re sure to find a pagoda or a church. On a stroll, you’re sure to come face to face with the colorful facade of a Tamil temple.
Whether discreet or ostentatious, these religious buildings on Reunion Island are all steeped in history. Are you ready to discover them?
1. Notre Dame des Laves
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JeanLucIchard
We begin this top list of religious buildings on Reunion Island with « L’Enfant Jésus de Prague « , this religious edifice on Reunion Island is a veritable miraculous church. In April 1977, when the famous Piton de la Fournaise erupted, the town was engulfed in flames as lava made its way to the sea.
While the damage was extensive, the church building remains strangely intact. Now enthroned in the middle of a lava flow that spared it from destruction, the church known as Notre Dame des Laves is one of the most important places of worship on the island. An astonishing visit in prospect!
2. Kalikambal Temple
Photo credit: Facebook – La cave à Jaife
In Saint-Denis, on rue du Maréchal Leclerc, you’ll find one of Réunion’s most beautiful religious buildings, the Temple Kalikambal. Built in 1917 by local Indian indentured labourers, this religious edifice in La Réunion has undergone considerable transformation over the years. Initially simply made of sheet metal, it has expanded over the years and, thanks to the meticulous work of Indian craftsmen in the 1980s, has been adorned with fabulous ornamentation.
This colorful sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Kali hosts numerous ceremonies throughout the year. Strategically located, it’s also a popular tourist attraction. Marvel at its magnificent Gopura, pay attention to the small details and let yourself be carried away by the special energy of the place. At the end of your visit, remember to leave offerings such as fruit or coins, as is customary.
Please note: a number of rules must be observed to gain access to the temple. Photos, « light » clothing, leather and shoes are not permitted.
3. Guan Di Temple
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Tisso974
Climb to the heights of Terre-Sainte in Saint-Pierre and discover one of Réunion’s most recent religious buildings, the majestic Guan Di temple. Built in the purest Chinese tradition, this pagoda has stood proudly facing the sea since 2017. The largest temple in the Indian Ocean dedicated to the warrior-turned-god, it also defines itself as a cultural and gathering place where learning and tributes to fundamental values are at the heart of everything.
While you’ll enjoy discovering more about it on the free guided tours that take place on Saturdays, you’ll be even more delighted to take part in the sublime festivities. If you’re visiting during Chinese New Year, be sure to stop by. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to attend the Lantern Festival and watch the famous lion dance.
4. Masdjid Mubarack Mosque
Photo credit: Facebook – Marie-Lyne Champigneul
Considered one of the most beautiful mosques on the island, Masdjid Mubarack sits elegantly in the heart of Saint-Louis. Built on the site of a former mosque dating from the 1950s, this architectural marvel draws its inspiration from Indo-Pakistani and North African aesthetics.
Adorned in turquoise blue, brilliant white and decorated with Tunisian carved woodwork, this religious edifice in La Réunion plunges visitors into the crossroads of the contemporary and the traditional. To reach the Masdjid Mubarack, simply follow its impressive 33-metre-high minaret. Once there, let yourself be guided to its immense prayer hall covered with magnificent carpets. You’ll be delighted!
5. Church of Sainte-Anne
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Henner Damke
Set course for Saint-Benoît and give in to the call of the incredible church of Sainte-Anne. More than just a holy place, this church on Reunion Island is a true work of art, sure to please architecture lovers. Built in the mid-19th century, it wasn’t until 1922 that it was transformed into a jewel reminiscent of the Baroque style.
If its facade leaves you speechless, its interior has plenty more surprises in store. Shimmering colors, gilding, marble and sublime frescoes promise to fill your eyes. Guided tours are available through the town’s tourist office.
6. The Temple of the Colossus
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Thierry CARO
Do you want something big in this top list of religious buildings on Reunion Island? Do you want something spectacular? The Temple du Colosse is exactly what you need. Nestled in Saint-André, in the Champ Borne district, this Hindu temple doesn’t go unnoticed. As colorful as it is imposing, this religious edifice, built in the 19th century by Indian craftsmen from Madras, has become a must-see on the island.
Dedicated to the goddess Pandialé, it is best known for its famous fire-walking ceremony held at the beginning of each year. Open your eyes wide, take a deep breath and let yourself be enchanted by the unique and intriguing atmosphere.
7. Notre Dame des Neiges
Photo credit: Flickr – Bernard Delefosse
Located in Cilaos, at the foot of the Piton des Neiges, Notre Dame des Neiges shines in its immaculate white amidst a verdant landscape. Built in 1937 to replace a former parish church dating back to the 19th century, this church in La Réunion will win you over with its superb Art Deco appearance and its carillon of forty-eight bells, which you can hear tinkling during a concert.
While you’ll love visiting this historic monument during the day, don’t hesitate to make a stopover at night. You’ll be able to watch the cross on the bell tower glow a brilliant blue. You won’t be disappointed!
8. Shri Maha Badra Karli Temple
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JeanLucIchard
Take the road to Saint-Pierre and prepare yourself for a most remarkable encounter. There, tucked away in a little corner of greenery in the Ravine Blanche district, you’ll find the marvellous Shri Maha Badra Karli temple. Dedicated to the goddess Kali, this religious edifice in La Réunion is a multicolored nugget that will certainly not leave you indifferent.
To soak up its unique aura, you can visit it on your own or with a guide through the Saint-Pierre tourist office. But before entering the heart of the building, you’ll first have to cross an arch symbolizing the passage from the profane to the sacred world. An experience not to be missed!
Please note: the temple is not open to visitors on Sundays.
9. Narassingua Péroumal Temple
Photo credit: Wikimedia – VillageHero
Located in the town of Saint-Pierre, the Narassingua Peroumal is none other than the famous neighbor of the Shri Maha Badra Karli temple. Originally built in the 1800s by Indian indentured labourers, its current version was inaugurated in 2010. Sublimated over the years, what was once a simple wooden chapel has been transformed into a fabulous showcase for local Indian culture.
As colorful on the outside as it is on the inside, the Narassingua Peroumal is sure to leave a lasting impression. Between its incredible sculptures and its explosion of vivid colors, it radiates as much as it fascinates.
In addition to the many ceremonies held here, guided tours are organized by the « Destination Sud Réunion » tourist office every Wednesday and Friday. An opportunity to learn more about the history of the temple and the arrival of the first Hindus on the island.
10. La Chapelle Pointue
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Matthieu Sontag
La Chapelle Pointue was built in 1841, along with the Hôtel de Préfecture in Saint-Denis, making it the island’s oldest historic monument. Nestled among the trees in the Villèle district, this church in La Réunion pierces the foliage with its acuminated roof.
Destroyed in 1932 by a violent cyclone, it was rebuilt almost identically the following year. Appreciated for its neo-Gothic aesthetic, the church was rehabilitated after a major renovation in 2003, and is open to visitors free of charge. So you can discover its lovely decor at your own pace.
11. Noor-e-Islam Mosque
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Bbb
We conclude this top list of religious buildings in La Réunion with France’s first and oldest mosque, Noor-e-Islam, which occupies the center of Saint-Denis. Once made of wood, this religious edifice on Reunion Island was finally rebuilt in stone following a fire in 1974. Today, the mosque boasts Indian-inspired architecture, with white marble set off by pretty hints of green. Pointing to the sky from its 32-metre minaret, it opens its doors to visitors outside prayer times.
As you pass through its entrance, you’ll be greeted by a décor as pure as it is peaceful. From the prayer room to the inner courtyard adorned with arches and colored glass, via the ablutions basins, you won’t know where to turn.