Nan Madol
About Nan Madol
The mysterious ruins of Nan Madol make for a fascinating place that is one of the highlights of the Federated States of Micronesia. Nan Madol consisted of 92 artificial
islands spread out over 1.5 km, and linked by a network of canals, making it the “Venice of the Pacific”. It once served as the political and religious center of the Saudeleur dynasty of Pohnpei and functioned between the 12th and 16th centuries.
The islands have stone walls composed of wide basalt pillars that are up to 8 meters long. These pillars were quarried elsewhere on Pohnpei and moved to the site by raft before being stacked horizontally for retaining walls. The islands served as burial sites, temples, preparation sites, and living quarters, among other functions. Many of the structures have collapsed, and the largest remaining one is Nan Douwas, which served as the royal burial compound.
islands spread out over 1.5 km, and linked by a network of canals, making it the “Venice of the Pacific”. It once served as the political and religious center of the Saudeleur dynasty of Pohnpei and functioned between the 12th and 16th centuries.
The islands have stone walls composed of wide basalt pillars that are up to 8 meters long. These pillars were quarried elsewhere on Pohnpei and moved to the site by raft before being stacked horizontally for retaining walls. The islands served as burial sites, temples, preparation sites, and living quarters, among other functions. Many of the structures have collapsed, and the largest remaining one is Nan Douwas, which served as the royal burial compound.
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