11 religious buildings to be discovered on the island of La Réunion

Discover a different facet of the intense island: visit the most beautiful religious buildings in La Réunion!

Loved in the Indian Ocean, the island of La Réunion is a green pepit bathed by crystal clear waters calling for relaxation and adventure. Known for its beautiful landscapes and surf spots, it is also appreciated for its authentic atmosphere, its cultural richness and its fabulous diversity. Here, beliefs and spiritualities blend harmoniously and create a colorful mosaic in which one dives with curiosity and benevolence.

During your stay, you will not be able to pass next to the many buildings testifying to the important place of faith on the island. Churches, mosques, temples and pagodas are an integral part of the decor. By lifting your eyes, you may see a minaret piercing the blue of the sky. At the turn of a street, you will surely find a pagoda or a church. During a walk, you will certainly fall nose to nose with the high color facade of a Tamil temple.

Whether they are discreet or ostentatious, these religious buildings at the Meeting are all responsible for History. Are you ready to find out?

1. Notre Dame des Laves

We start this top of the religious buildings in La Réunion with “The Child Jesus of Prague "This religious building in La Réunion is a true miraculous church. In April 1977, while the famous Piton de la Fournaise between erupting, the city embraces under the lava shaking a path to the sea.

If the damage is numerous, the church building remains strangely intact. Amidst a lava flow that spared it from destruction, the one named Notre Dame des Laves is now one of the most important places of worship on the island. An amazing sightseeing tour!

2. The Kalikambal Temple

It’s at Saint-Denis , in the street of the Maréchal Leclerc, that you will find one of the most beautiful religious buildings of the Reunion, the Kalikambal temple. Built in 1917 by Indian residents of the neighborhood, this religious building in La Réunion has changed considerably over time. First of all, he has expanded over the years and has appeared in fabulous ornaments thanks to the careful work of Indian craftsmen in the 1980s.

High in colour, this sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Kali welcomes many ceremonies throughout the year. Enjoying a strategic location, it is also very appreciated by tourists. Amaze yourself in the face of her beautiful Gopura , pay attention to the small details and let yourself be carried away by the particular energy of the place. At the end of your visit, consider leaving offerings such as fruits or coins as is customary.

Note : several rules are to be respected to access the temple. The pictures, the "light" outfits, the leather and the shoes are prohibited.

3. The Guan Di Temple

Climb on the heights of Terre-Sainte to Saint-Pierre and discover one of the most recent religious buildings in La Réunion, the majestic Guan Di temple built in the purest Chinese tradition, this pagoda stands proudly in front of the sea since 2017. The largest temple of the entire Indian Ocean dedicated to the warrior who became god, it is also defined as a cultural and gathering place where learning and homage to fundamental values are at the heart of everything.

If you will enjoy discovering it more extensively during free guided tours which takes place Saturday , you will be even more enchanted to take part in sublime festivities. If you are passing through the Chinese New Year, don’t miss a stop there. With a little luck, you will be able to attend the Lantern Festival and observe the famous lions dance.

4. Masdjid Mubarack Mosque

Considered one of the most beautiful mosques on the island, Masdjid Mubarack is an elegant throne in the heart of Saint-Louis . Built instead of an ancient mosque dating from the 1950s, this architectural wonder draws inspiration from the indo-Pakistani and Maghreb aesthetics.

Parée d’un beau bleu turquoise, d’un blanc shineant et décoration de boiseries sculptées en Tunisia , this religious building of La Réunion immerses the visitor at the crossroads of contemporary and traditions. To reach the Masdjid Mubarack, you will only have to follow its impressive culminating minaret at 33 meters high. Once on site, let yourself be guided to its immense prayer room covered with beautiful carpets. You'll be delighted with the trip!

5. The Church of St. Anne

Put the course on. Saint-Benoît and surrender to the call of the incredible church of Sainte-Anne. More than a holy place, this church in La Réunion is a real work of art that will undoubtedly please architecture lovers. Built in the middle of the 19th century, it was only around 1922 that it turned into a jewel reminiscent of the baroque style.

If its facade leaves you without a voice, its interior will still make you many more surprises. Shimmering colors, gildings, marble and sublime frescoes promise to fill your eyes. By passing through the city’s tourist office, you can enjoy guided tours.

6. The Temple of the Colosseum

You want great in this top of religious buildings in La Réunion? You want spectacular? The temple of the Colosseum is exactly what you need. Nested Saint-André , in the district of Champ Borne, this Hindu temple does not pass unnoticed. As colourful as imposing, this religious building, built in the 19th century by Indian artisans from Madras, was a must on the island.

Dedicated to the goddess Pandialé, he is known for his famous ceremony of walking on fire that takes place every beginning of the year. Open your eyes, take a great inspiration and let yourself be charmed by the unique and intriguing atmosphere that emanates from the place.

7. Our Lady of Snow

Located at Cilaos , at the foot of the Snow Piton, Notre Dame des Neiges shines from its immaculate white in the midst of a green landscape. Built from 1937 to replace an old 19th century parish, this church in La Réunion will seduce you with its superb Art Deco look and its forty-eight bells that you can hear during a concert.

If you’re going to love visiting this historic monument in the day, don’t hesitate to make a night stopover. You can admire the cross of the tower of its bell tower shining with a bright blue. You will not be disappointed!

8. Shri Maha Badra Karli Temple

Take the road Saint-Pierre and prepare for a most remarkable meeting. There you will find the wonderful Shri Maha Badra Karli temple in a small green area in the district of Ravine Blanche. Dedicated to the goddess Kali, this religious building in La Réunion is a multicolored pepit that will certainly not leave you indifferent.

In order to enchant you with its unique aura, you can visit it alone or accompanied by a guide through the tourist office of Saint-Pierre. But before you enter the heart of the building, you will first have to cross an arch symbolizing the passage of the profane world to that of the sacred. An experience to live for sure!

Note : the temple is not accessible to visitors on Sunday

9. The Temple Narassingua Perumal

Located in the city Saint-Pierre The Narassingua Peroumal is no other than the famous neighbor of Shri Maha Badra Karli temple. Originally built around the 1800s by Indians, its current version was inaugurated in 2010. Sublimated over the years, the one that had only been a simple wooden chapel transformed into a fabulous work highlighting local Indian culture.

As colourful on the outside and inside, the Narassingua Peroumal will certainly leave you an indelible memory. Between his incredible sculptures and his explosion of bright colors, he radiates as well as he fascinates.

Apart from the many ceremonies celebrated there, guided tours are organized by the tourist office “South Destination Meeting” all Wednesdays and Fridays . The opportunity to learn more about the history of the temple but also about the arrival of the first Hindus on the island.

10. La Chapelle Pointue

La Chapelle Pointue is built from 1841, with the prefecture hotel Saint-Denis , the oldest historical monument of the island. Nestled in the district of Villèle, in the middle of the trees, this church in La Réunion pierces the foliage of its acuminate roof.

Destroyed in 1932 by the passage of a violent cyclone, it was rebuilt almost identical the following year. Appreciated for its neo-Gothic aesthetic rehabilitated after a major renovation in 2003, it visits freely and free . From what to discover its pretty decor at your own pace.

11. The Noor-e-Islam Mosque

We finish this top of the religious buildings in La Réunion with the first and oldest mosque in France, Noor-e-Islam, which occupies the center of Saint-Denis . Once made of wood, this religious building of La Réunion was finally rebuilt hard after a fire in 1974. Nowadays, the mosque has an Indian-inspired architecture where white marble is a beautiful part of green notes. Pointing the sky of its minaret of 32 meters, it opens its doors to visitors outside the hours of prayer.

Passing its entrance, you will be welcomed in a decor as sleek and peaceful. From the prayer room to the inner courtyard with arches and colourful windows, to the ablution basins, you will no longer know where to give head.