Lime oven

Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Meralikan lime oven, located in Saint-Leu on the island of La Réunion, dates from the second half of the 19th century. It is part of the second generation furnaces, operating continuously thanks to an innovative feeding system for the time. Built in basalt and moellons, it was used to transform coral into lime, an essential material for local construction, including bridges, churches and administrative buildings. This kiln came from the dismemberment of the sugar estate of Cape Town in 1886, marking the transition from the production of lime from the hands of the sugar establishments to specialized artisans, called chauSupplier.

Originally, the oven belonged to Mr. Deltel, then was installed on a lot of Mr. Begue. In the 1950s, Raphaël Méralikan became the owner of the property before giving it to his brother, Pierre Méralikan, in 1953. The latter re-launched lime production and meticulously opened the site until 1994, when the plant finally ceased operations. The oven, last in operation on the island, was listed at the Historic Monuments in 1996 for its key role in the industrial and architectural heritage of Réunion.

Lime, produced from calcined corals, played a major role in the development of La Réunion. From the 17th century it was used for mortar construction, burial of the deceased during epidemics, and even for medical purposes. In the 19th century, it became indispensable for major works, such as the Réunion railway (1872-1886) or the emblematic bridges of Saint-Leu, such as the Colimaçons bridge or the viaduct of the Petite Ravine. Its use also extended to churches, warehouses (such as the present Posts Hotel), and cemetery enclosures, symbolizing its anchoring in local landscape and culture.

The Meralikan kiln is distinguished by its massive volcanic stone structure, with an access ramp allowing alternative loading of coral and wood layers. The cooking was done by two berry at the base, from which the lime was extracted manually after extinction and grinding. This artisanal process, combined with its family history, makes it a unique testimony to the technical and economic evolution of La Réunion, linked to the exploitation of natural resources and the construction of sustainable infrastructures.

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