Explore The Maldives Beyond Beaches: 10 Historic Landmarks

The Maldives is often celebrated for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts. But beyond its postcard-perfect islands lies a rich cultural and historical legacy shaped by Buddhism, Islam, trade routes, and ancient kingdoms. Travellers with an interest in heritage can uncover centuries-old mosques, royal tombs, archaeological remnants, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of the Maldivian civilisation.

From coral-stone mosques to preserved artefacts and iconic royal sites, these historic locations reveal a lesser-known side of the Maldives that goes far beyond its tropical beauty. Here are ten historical places worth exploring during your visit.

1. Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque), Malé

Built in 1658, this UNESCO-recognised heritage site is made of coral stone and features intricate lacquer work and Arabic calligraphy. It remains one of the country’s oldest functioning mosques.

2. Mulee Aage Palace, Malé

Originally built in 1914, this royal residence served as the home of Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen III. Today, it stands next to the Presidential Palace and symbolises the political history of the Maldives.

3. National Museum of Maldives

Located in Sultan Park, the museum houses royal artefacts, ancient inscriptions, weapons, and traditional costumes that map the journey of Maldivian culture through different eras.

4. Utheemu Ganduvaru, Utheemu Island

This wooden palace is the birthplace of Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu, a national hero who fought against Portuguese colonial rule in the 16th century.

5. Tomb of Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, Malé

Credited with introducing Islam to the Maldives in the 12th century, Abu al-Barakat’s tomb is a sacred cultural landmark and a key part of the nation’s Islamic heritage.

6. Isdhoo Buddhist Ruins, Laamu Atoll

Archaeological remains such as stupas and relics reflect the Maldives’ pre-Islamic Buddhist past. The site also contains one of the oldest Maldivian scripts recorded on copper plates.

7. Kudehi Miskiy, Fuvahmulah

A small but historically important mosque believed to date back to the 1700s, showcasing South Maldivian Islamic architecture and coral-stone craftsmanship.

8. Eid Mosque (Eid Miskiy), Malé

An ancient coral mosque built in the 18th century, it reflects the religious architecture and artistry of the Sultanate period.

9. Sultan Park, Malé

Once part of the Royal Palace grounds, it now serves as a public park that preserves remains of the historic palace complex.

10. Buddhist Ruins of Thoddoo, Alif Alif Atoll

Thoddoo is home to some of the largest Buddhist archaeological sites in the Maldives, with fragments of stupas and statues that highlight its ancient trade and religious history.