Miragoâne: A Peaceful Treasure to Discover in Haiti
About twenty kilometers south of Petit-Goâve, in the direction of Les Cayes, lies the charming small town of Miragoâne. Founded by the English around a well-protected basin, it has had a tumultuous history, especially during the 19th-century civil wars that marked Haitian history. Today, this peaceful locality attracts the attention of visitors in search of authenticity and tranquility.
A Charm of Yesteryears
Miragoâne was once a quaint village with picturesque charm. Unfortunately, with the uncontrolled influx of people drawn by opportunities related to illegal trade, the town has lost some of its former splendor. Once an important port for smuggling, Miragoâne is now trying to rebuild itself by turning away from its tumultuous past.
The Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church: A Breton Air
Dominating the port from the top of its “hundred” steps, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church offers architecture that seems straight out of a Breton landscape. With its neo-Gothic style, this cathedral is a beautiful example of a religious building to discover. Inside, a splendid marble altar, originally intended for the church in Jérémie, adds to the beauty of the place.
The Reflective Fort: Witness to a Painful Past
Near Carrefour-La-Croix, you can see the ruins of the Reflective Fort overlooking the cemetery. This fort gets its name from the arrogance of its builders who considered it impregnable. During the 19th-century fratricidal wars, it served as a refuge for young mulatto and liberal bourgeoisie, but they were eventually decimated by disease and massacred after months of siege. Today, nothing perpetuates the memory of this tragedy, but the site offers a striking view of the port and the Gulf of Gonâve.
Miragoâne Pond: A Natural Paradise
The second-largest pond in the country by its surface area, Miragoâne Pond, located before the Desruisseaux crossroads at kilometer 95 from Port-au-Prince, mainly attracts fishermen. To access it, you must take a path after 1.8 km by car and then move by canoe or “roundwood” through the reeds. Wild ducks and turtles can be spotted in this peaceful expanse of water surrounded by lush vegetation.
A Future to Build
Although Miragoâne has gone through difficult times, it offers travelers an authentic experience away from the typical tourist trails. The town is full of history and picturesque landscapes, and its welcoming inhabitants reflect the warmth of Haiti. It is time to rediscover this little gem nestled in the heart of Haiti and empower it to build a promising future.
Photos of Miragoâne in Haiti
Miragoâne, a peaceful and authentic treasure in Haiti
The Reflective Fort, a witness to a tumultuous past
Miragoâne Pond, an oasis of tranquility
The picturesque charm of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church
