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Attractions, Maldives Vacations and Luxury Travel Packages The Republic Square Presidential Palace Grand Mosque Hukuru Miskiiy Fish Market Local Market |
The National Museum is part of the Sultan Park, which is the small public garden. The Sultan Park was previously part of the southern side of the Royal Palace, of which you cannot now see much. The Park itself is mainly a considerable collection of various tropical flora, and also exhibits some animal life. The National Museum, situated in the western part of the Park, shows items of historic value from the times of the Sultan's. 
This square is not the kind of square that you might normally expect. You will not find the usual buildings on each side and a quiet pace. This is the place where you are mostly likely to get out of your boat from the resort on. On that side of the square is the sea, on the west are some commercial buildings, to the south is the Islamic Centre and the headquarters of the National Security Service (NSS), and on the east is the new Headquarters of the Police. 
The Presidential Palace is somewhat further from most of the other sights of interest mentioned here, but on an island the size of Male', this only means a few minutes more walking. The Presidential Palace has been built on the site of the previous presidential palace, was completed only recently and shows very eclectic architectural style. 
The large dome and tall minaret that dominates the skyline as you approach Male' are part of this Mosque (variously known as the Islamic Centre, and Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu Miskiyy), which was built in 1984. It is the largest mosque in the Maldives (accommodating more than 5.00 people), and is the main centre for prayers in Male', especially on Fridays and on the two religious holidays of Eid. Visitors are allowed inside the mosque only with official permission, but once inside you will see very intricate motifs and a mixture of modern and traditionally Islamic architecture and designs. 
Hukuru Miskiyy, which means Friday Mosque, is just across the road from Muleeage, which is now houses the Office of the President, and about 2 minutes' walk east of the Islamic Centre. The significance of the 'Friday' in its name points to the importance of that day of the week, which is the day on which all males go for the main religious congregation of the week, at noon, and at which the Imam gives religious advice. 
The one place in Male' where you are always guaranteed a unique show is the fish market, located along the beach front to the west of the Republic Square. Each day, towards evening, the local boats, (known as dhonis, and now equipped with powerful marine engines, GPS, and other improvements) start coming into the inner harbour of Male', right in front of the fish market. 
The local market, just a couple of minutes' walk up the road from the fish market and also on the beach road, is a place where you will find Maldivians from all over the country, in Male' to sell produce from their own islands. The local market has been in the same place for decades, and has seen little change throughout its history. The large tree that is on its seaward-side compound has been there for many years and creates an image that can instantly be recognized by many Maldivians. |
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