Curepipe

Curepipe
—  Town  —
Motto: Ecselsus Spelendeo (latin) Exalted Shine (english)
Plaines Wilhems District
Curepipe Plaines Wilhems District
Coordinates: 20°19′S 57°31′E / 20.317°S 57.517°E / -20.317; 57.517Coordinates: 20°19′S 57°31′E / 20.317°S 57.517°E / -20.317; 57.517
Country	Mauritius
District	Plaines Wilhems District
Government
- Mayor	Sunil Kumar Beedassy
Area
- Total	23.8 km2 (9.2 sq mi)
Elevation	1,543 m (5,062 ft)
Population (2003)
- Total	81,600
- Density	3,428.6/km2 (8,880/sq mi)
Time zone	MUT (UTC+04)
ISO 3166 code	MU-CU
Twin Cities
- Castel Gandolfo	Italy
Website	municipal-curepipe.org

Curepipe is a town (population 81,600 in 2003) centrally situated in Mauritius, an island country in the southwest Indian Ocean. It is second in size and importance to Port Louis, the capital.

Compared to the rest of the island, Curepipe lies at a higher elevation, often referred to as the "Central Plateau".

History

The town's name, Curepipe, is said to be originated from the word "curer sa pipe" (French) which translates to 'cleaning the pipe" (English). There are several theories by historians as to the naming of the city. Some historians believe that the name was given as travelers and soldiers from the 19th century, traveled from Port Louis and Grand Port (Mahébourg) to refill their pipes in Curepipe. Other historians do not share the same view and believe that the name was given after a late landowner during the 18th century.

Curepipe is also referred to as "La Ville Lumière" (in English "The Town of Light") since it was the first town in the island to run on electricity.

Landmarks and attractions

New George V Stadium

The New George V stadium, which was located opposite to the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation as in 2011, the MBC was transferred to Moka.

New George V stadium, Curepipe

Carnegie Library

There is a Carnegie library established by the Carnegie Foundation in 1917 which is well known for its manuscript-collection and its collection on Indian Ocean Islands books.

Curepipe Botanical Gardens

The Curepipe Botanic Gardens, host the rarest palm tree of the world (unique specimen of Hyophorbe amaricaulis).

City Hall

Climate & Environment

Lying on the central plateau, Curepipe has a temperate climate with cool winters and rainy, humid summers. The soil is lush and rich, as testified by the conifer woods surrounding the town.

The French founded the settlement at the very beginning of the French colonisation of the island, with the cool climate likely reminding them of their native France. A neighboring town is in fact named Nouvelle France, which translantes to New France in English.

Schools and tertiary institutions

Curepipe is home to many schools and tertiary institutions.

The Royal College Curepipe is one of the oldest and famous schools in Mauritius, located in the centre of Curepipe as the institution is the only one in Curepipe to produce highly ranked pupils.

Events

• The town of Curepipe hosted the 2008 Castel Beer Trophy, which featured the hosts Mauritius and international teams Tanzania, Mayotte and Réunion.

• The 6th Games of the Indian Ocean Islands (Jeux des Iles de L'Ocean Indien, JIOI.

International relations

Twin towns - Sister cities

Curepipe is twinned with:

• Castel Gandolfo, Italy

See also

• List of cities, towns and villages in Mauritius
• Railway stations in Mauritius

References

External links

• The Municipal Council of Curepipe official website