Royal Tomb Mala’ekula or Red Square

The Royal Tombs were first built in the early 19th century, during the reign of King George Tupou I. The first tomb, known as Mala’ekula, was built in 1827 to house the remains of the king’s mother, Tupou Moheofo. Subsequent tombs were built over the years to accommodate other members of the royal family. The tombs are made of coral limestone and are adorned with intricate carvings and decorations. Each tomb is surrounded by a high fence made of coral blocks and is accessed through a gateway that is also decorated with carvings and motifs. The most recent addition to the Royal Tombs is the tomb of Queen Sālote Tupou III, who was one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Tongan history. Her tomb, which was completed in 1967, is the largest and most ornate of the four tombs. The Royal Tombs are considered an important cultural and historical site in Tonga and are a popular tourist attraction. They are located in the center of Nuku’alofa and are easily accessible to visitors. The Royal Tombs in Nuku’alofa are located on the grounds of the Royal Palace, which is the official residence of the King of Tonga. The four tombs are arranged in a row, with Mala’ekula, the oldest and smallest tomb, on the left and the tomb of Queen Sālote Tupou III, the largest and most recent tomb, on the right. The second tomb, known as Mala’ekula Kafo, was built in 1865 to house the remains of King George Tupou I, the founder of modern Tonga. The third tomb, known as Mala’ekula Fakahinu, was built in 1886 to house the remains of King George Tupou II and his wife, Queen Lavinia. The tombs are considered sacred by the Tongan people and are only open to the public on special occasions, such as the anniversary of the death of a member of the royal family. Visitors are allowed to view the tombs from outside the fence, but are not allowed to enter the tombs themselves. In addition to the Royal Tombs, the grounds of the Royal Palace also contain other important cultural and historical sites, including the Coronation Pavilion, where Tongan monarchs are crowned, and the Centenary Chapel, which was built to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of Christianity in Tonga. The Royal Tombs and the other sites on the grounds of the Royal Palace are an important part of Tongan national identity and cultural heritage, and are a testament to the country’s rich history and traditions.