Levuka

Fiji’s First World Heritage Site

The historical port town of Levuka was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013, becoming Fiji’s first World Heritage Site. “An outstanding example of late 19th century Pacific port settlements, Levuka reflects the integration of local building traditions by a supreme naval power, leading to the emergence of a unique landscape”

Late 19th Century Pacific Port

In the mid-1800s, the town was founded by sandalwood and beach-der-me traders of European origin. It became the first colonial capital of Fiji on 10th October in 1874 when Fiji was ceded to Queen Victoria. Levuka is today recognized as a specific and rare type of colonial port town that reflects the 19th century stages of maritime colonization by European naval powers, into a Pacific social, cultural and topographic environment.

Levuka Town Hall

The historic building was built in 1898 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s silver jubilee. It houses Fiji’s first municipality, the Levuka Town Council, established in 1877.