Culture of Rarotonga. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Rarotonga Island is the good choice for those who like sports and beaches, but also for excursions fans. There are lots of places of interest spread through scenic towns and villages. The Cook Islands Library and Museum Society is the one of the most interesting places. There is an extensive cultural center with various exhibitions in the capital city of Avarua. The library holds lots of book; there is also an exhibition of traditional crafts, unique show-pieces and photographs.

Traffic Circle is the most beautiful part of the city; that is where one of the island symbols is located. That's the Seven-In-One-Coconut-Tree unique palms. They form a precise ring; numerous tales and legends are associated with them. According to one of them, all seven trees grew up from a single seed. Another landmark is the church built in 1853. There is also a number of true Polynesian buildings that are over more than one hundred years old.

Arorangi village, the very first missionary settlement on Rarotonga, is located at the west coast. This colorful village has managed to survive to these days almost intact; it offers lots of interesting buildings to see, including the island's most important religious landmark – Cook Islands Christian Church, also known as CICC. Church was built in the mid19th century; it is the burial place of missionary Papeih, who introduced Christianity to island tribes. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Next to Arorange there is the Cultural Village, the huge open air ethnographic museum. There tourists can learn a lot about local crafts and cuisine, purchase unique hand-made souvenirs and taste national meals. Takitumu area on the south of Rarotonga is the excellent place for those who like to walk around historical areas. There they can visit beautiful Pa' palace and Arai Te Tonga royal court ruins. The latest are sacred for local citizens.