State House stands on a hill above Victoria and is one of the best-known colonial buildings in the Seychelles. It is where the President of the Republic works, and the building is protected as a national monument. If you want more than a glimpse through the gate, you can join a guided visit.
What to expect
The whitewashed house is notable for its two-storey portico with white columns, a typical example of the colonial architecture of its time. It is surrounded by a tropical garden full of colourful flowers and shrubs. Guests on state visits have given plants and trees over the years, and many of them have found a home here.
On the tour you will also see coco de mer palms, which otherwise grow mainly on Praslin and Curieuse, as well as an enclosure with Aldabra giant tortoises. In the grounds, ruins and graves recall the earliest settlement. The best-known grave is that of Jean Baptiste Quéau de Quincy, an 18th-century commandant. He is remembered above all for handing the colony over to the British without a fight.
Inside, the tour includes the President's reception room and other state rooms, where official receptions and swearing-in ceremonies take place. You can also see portraits of the 16 governors and the one president who lived here.
History
The building dates from 1910, when the Seychelles were still a British Crown colony. It was then called Government House and served as the governor's residence. The first occupant, in 1912, was William Edward Davidson, the second governor of the Seychelles.
In all, sixteen governors and one president lived here. Since 1977 the house has no longer been the head of state's home but serves as an official seat. Later some offices moved to a modern new building nearby, and the historic house has since been used mainly for diplomatic occasions.
From 2006 State House underwent extensive renovation. The original architectural design was left unchanged, as the colonial character was to be preserved.
Location and getting there
State House is on State House Avenue in Victoria. From the clock tower in the town centre, follow the road uphill and after about 200 metres the entrance gate appears. There is a security check there. It is an easy walk from the centre of Victoria, and buses and taxis also run into the capital. The museum where the tours begin is also in the town centre.
Practical information on the tour
Without a booking you will usually only see the building from a distance. Tours are organised through the National Museum of History in Victoria. The meeting point is the reception desk there, and from the museum the group walks together to the gate, where check-in takes place.
- Days: Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Reported start times differ slightly, falling between 9:45 and 10:00.
- Duration: about one hour, with 1 to 15 people per group.
- Booking: at least 48 hours in advance, by email to museum.booking@gov.sc or by phone on +248 4 225 404. You will need to give your passport number.
- ID: bring your passport or ID card for check-in at the gate.
- Admission: for tourists, 300 Seychelles rupees was the most recent figure given; entry is free for Seychellois.
- Luggage: large bags are not allowed, small handbags are fine.
- Photos: cameras and phones are allowed, but only take pictures as directed by the guides and State House staff.
The tours have been suspended several times in the past, and one operator at one point stated that they would not run until further notice. Before you plan anything, check with the museum that tours are currently being offered.
