Art & Culture : Sites to see

What to see in Saint-Kitts

 

BASSETERRE.

Capital city of the Federation of Saint Christophe and Nieves. Pierre Belain d’Esnambuc arrived to the bay of Basseterre in 1624, stumbling upon a French colony, which had originally planned to reach Guyana but had decided to remain in this small harbour of peace. The island is a mere 168 km2, its capital more of a village than a town, yet undeniably charming with is colourful and well-kept streets. Creole, French and English influence intertwine in the architecture of the city’s aged buildings, tourists marvel at the richness of its past and reputation. Strolling around in town, you will discover all about life on the island by observing a population of hawkers, schoolchildren and joyful groups of youngsters… You will also come across obvious fragments of British influence: telephone booths for instance are perfect copies of their London counterparts.

The market

The market is situated around Bay Road (the port), hosting a typical Caribbean atmosphere of vegetables, fruits, hawkers, etc.

The Circus (Place).

Circus Place is situated at the crossroads of Fort Street and Bank Street, go straight on from the pontoon of Port Zonte, or past the marina. The place evokes a Piccadily Circus-style ambiance, with its Victorian clock (1883) and the memorial of Thomas Berkley, former president of the legislative assembly. Standing by the clock, gazing at the white mansions bordering the square, you are in the heart of this bustling city.

Independance Square.

East of The Circus (follow Bank Street). Originally known as Pall Mall Square, obtained by the Governor in 1750, the square proceeded to become an important commercial and administrative centre. Slaves arrived here from Africa, were rallied, sorted, and subsequently presented for purchase. The square was renamed in 1983 to commemorate independence. It is famous for its beautiful Georgian-style houses, such as the Independence House. On the East side you will find the Catholic cathedral of Immaculate Conception, with its two side towers.

Treasury Building.

South of The Circus. The edifice was constructed in 1894 and used by the local government up to the Second World War. It stands as a symbol of colonial maritime commercial splendour, as traders and new arrivals of the era were sure to pass through its gates. The Post Office building is situated nearby, if you are a collector, don’t miss dropping in to the Philatelic Office.

Anglican Church of Saint George

From the Circus, go north on Fort Street, then turn left (Canyon Street). The church is a massive edifice of imposing stature, bearing witness to more of an English country than to a Caribbean style. Its tumultuous past was stained with many catastrophes; the original French cathedral of Notre Dame (constructed in 1670) was replaced by an English church, later to be devastated by fires and earthquakes. The present construction goes back to 1867, although its bell tower was lost in a 1974 earthquake. Entrance is free of charge.

Brimstone Hill.

Bay Road Tel : (869) 465 2609. This fortress, erected in 1690 and nicknamed “Gibraltar of the West Indies” is the most outstanding edifice of its kind in the Caribbean, one of the most prominent fortifications ever to have been constructed in the Americas. French troops led by Admiral De Grasse seized the fort in 1782. Easiest access from Basseterre is on taking the coastal road in the direction of Sandy Mount Town (to the North), and following the road signs leading to the fort. The region is extremely dry and barren, prepare water and a cap to avoid sunstrokes. The fortress itself is huge and expands over several storeys; its summit offers a magnificent view of Saba and Saint Eustatius. Don’t miss taking that inevitable photograph standing next to the cannon set in the direction of these islands. The edifice was only recently restored, and its museum takes pride in its collection of documents dealing with the history of the previous fort erected on the same grounds. The area around the hill is a national park, so don’t be surprised to meet groups of monkeys in the proximity. The site has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999.

Estridge Easte.

A French scientific foundation, studying the life of monkeys for the past 300 years.

Château de Poincy.

Former residence of French governors to St Kitts, the building can be visited on previous accord from the Tourist Office.

What to see in Nevis

 

CHARLESTOWN.

In our opinion, Charlestown is by all means less attractive than Basseterre. Although several colonial style mansions have survived the hands of time, they are not visible and difficult to find. The town’s market is the only veritably lively place, and you can also visit the “Waterfront”, the locality’s seaside reconstructed by financial aid from Kowait.

Philatelic Bureau.

A few steps away from the Tourist Office, this bureau is paradise itself for philatelists, with a wide choice of commemorative envelopes.

Haratio Nelson Museum.

Box 563 (South side of town, near the Government Building in the Belle Vue district)   (869) Tel : 469 0408 – Fax 469 0274   Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Entrance fee: 5 US$ (12 EC$). The museum was founded by the Pennsylvanian Abrahams family in 1992, it is situated in Belle Vue near the Government Building. The permanent exhibition, “Nevis in the years of Nelson” displays the greatest collection ever concerning the famous admiral. Smaller temporary exhibitions on local topics are also held from time to time. Lord Nelson was born in Burnham Thorpe (Norfolk), on the shores of the North Sea in 1758, and entered Nevisian history while still a young captain, on marrying Frances (Fanny) Herbert Nisbet, widow of Dr Nisbet, of Nevisian origin. Napoleon would surely have preferred that he remain on the island after his marriage, which may have saved Bonaparte the embarrassment of Aboukir in 1798. Nelson’s fame and reputation reached its peak after the French Revolution.

Jewish cemetery and synagogue.

Government Road (North of the pontoon). On Government Road (North of the pontoon). Beneath the stones of this graveyard lie witnesses of an 18th century long gone, when 25% of the population of Charlestown had been of Jewish origin. Legend holds that Alexander Hamilton was also of this descent. Driven from Brazil, a handful of Jews arrived to the region bringing along a widespread technical knowledge acquired from the Portuguese, in fields such as the sugar industry and the refinement of sugar. The tombs are signed in three languages: English, Hebrew and Portuguese. A paved walk leads from the cemetery to the synagogue, constructed in 1684 (a date established by a team of American archaeologists) which makes the edifice the oldest synagogue of the Caribbean.

Bath Hotel and its thermal baths.

The reputation of the island’s invigorating waters was well known in the Northern Islands, as well as in Europe at the time of the hotel’s construction in 1778 by an English merchant, John Huggins. 18th century nobility and upper classes delighted in the thermal spas of the hotel, among whom we can mention Lord Nelson, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Prince William Henry, the to-be King William IV himself.

Caribbean Cove Amusement Park

Stoney Grove ) (869) 469 1286. Bumper boats, minigolf, roller coasters and a video game arena in a pleasant family atmosphere: a real delight for children. The park is situated south of Charlestown in the extension of Main Street, just before the Haratio Nelson Museum.

Botanical Garden of Nevis.

Montpelier Estate, Charlestown (3 km south of the town, in Cole Hill)   ) (869) 469 3399 ou 3509. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday from November to April. Opening hours may vary from May to October, it is best to give them a call to make sure. Entrance fee is 8 US$, reduction for children is 4 US$. The park was founded by an American gentleman, Joseph Murphy, who had originally wished to build himself a house and garden, but later resolved to render the park accessible to the public, a lucky decision for all you nature-lovers! Stroll around 8 hectares of bamboo, rose and orchid groves, have a snack or simply chill out in this haven of natural beauty.

Montpellier House.

The ceiba trees of this garden witnessed the historic wedding of Lord Nelson and Frances (Fanny) Herbert Nisbet on the 11 March, 1787. Fanny was living on this estate with her son, Josiah and uncle, president of the Council of Nevis, when the young captain fell hopelessly in love with this lady of music, who also spoke perfect French and managed the estate all by herself. Nelson’s adopted son, Josiah’s talents would later also unfold within the realm of the navy, where he would be respected for his courage and bravery. Prince William Henry, the future King William IV himself was one of the two witnesses at the wedding of Nelson and Fanny. Their marriage certificate can be seen in the Church of Saint John’s Fig Tree. Montpellier House, one of the four major plantations of the island, now functions as a hotel:   LE MONTPELIER PLANTATION INN, P. O. Box 474 Tel : (869) 469 3462 – Fax 469 2932  Finally, just a footnote for tabloid fans: the late Princess Diana herself spent her holidays in this inn following her infamous divorce.