The restored ruins of a 15th century Tongan fortress known as “Talietumu” in the French dependency of ‘Uvea (better known as Wallis Island) has become a popular tourist attraction.

The 96-square km island of ‘Uvea (just bigger than ‘Eua) is home to over 10,000 people and is located to the West of Samoa and far north of Niuafo’ou.

Travel reviews have described the ruins of Talietumu as a must see for all visitors to the island. The archaeological site located in the south of the island contains a mala’e, stone platforms, raised walkways, and walls of stone basalt.

Tu’i Tonga dynasty

According to locals, the Talietumu (also known as “Kolo Nui”) was a fortified settlement occupied by Tongans many centuries ago. The fortress is believed to have been built in the mid-15^th century during the peak of the ancient Tu’i Tonga dynasty.

Not a mainstream tourist destination, Wallis Island is renowned for its conservation of Polynesian tradition. The Island has its own king and shares many cultural similarities with Tonga, notably the language and traditional dancing.

The island is also frequently referred to in Tongan mythology, and is credited as the origin of many Tongan dances such as the Kailao and Soke. According to Tongan legend, the stones used for the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon were quarried from ‘Uvea.