Nan Madol
About This Museum
Rising from the mangrove swamps and tidal channels of Pohnpei, Nan Madol is not so much a city as a ghostly labyrinth built upon the reef itself. Its staggering complexity lies in the fact that this 'Venice of the Pacific' is a man-made archipelago of nearly 100 artificial islets. For centuries, these crumbling basalt ruins were the ceremonial and political seat of the Saudeleur dynasty, a place shrouded in legend. The sheer effort of transporting and stacking these colossal prismatic stones, some weighing tons, remains an awe-inspiring mystery.
Collection Highlights
The entire site is an open-air collection, but key areas include the royal mortuary islet of Nandauwas, with its towering walls and central tomb crypt. The administrative center of Pahn Kadira and the enigmatic islet of Usennamw, believed to be for ritual food preparation, offer glimpses into a highly stratified society.
Visitor Information
Getting there is part of the adventure; you'll need to hire a local guide and likely take a small boat through the winding canals before exploring on foot. Wear sturdy shoes you don't mind getting wet or muddy, as tides and jungle paths are all part of the experience. It's raw, humid, and utterly unforgettable.
Architecture & Building
A megalithic complex constructed entirely from naturally formed basalt crystals, logistically stacked in crisscrossing patterns to form towering walls and enclosures atop artificial islands.
Contact & Location
Address: Pohnpei, Ipwal Kousapw, Pohnpei, 96941, Micronesia
Phone: +691 320 4851
Website: Visit Website
