National Museum

The National Museum in the capital of the Maldives offers a fascinating journey through the history of the islands. The museum is housed in two buildings on the grounds of the former 17th-century Royal Palace, separated by the picturesque Sultan Park.

Here you will see unique exhibits - from pre-Islamic sculptures from the 11th century, through royal robes and thrones, to the first gramophone and computer in the country. Of particular interest is the skeleton of a 6-meter whale and artifacts documenting the conversion to Islam in 1153.

For history lovers, the manuscripts of the Koran, 120 legal documents from the 1600s, and the weapons of Mohamed Thakurufaanu from his 16th-century battle with the Portuguese will be a real treasure.