ST Kitts and Nevis: Historic West Indies
Saint Kitts and Nevis were among the first islands in the Caribbean to be colonised by Europeans. Saint Kitts was home to the first British and French Caribbean colonies, and thus has also been titled “The Mother Colony of the West Indies”
It is also the most recent British territory in the Caribbean to become independent, gaining independence in 1983.
Many of its former sugar plantations are now inns or atmospheric ruins. The larger of the two islands, Saint Kitts, is dominated by the dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano, home to a crater lake, green vervet monkeys and rainforest crisscrossed with hiking trails.
Here are some of the top sites to visit:
1. Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park:
Is remarkable example of European military engineering dating from the 17th and 18th centuries . The fortress was built to African slave labour to the exacting standards of the British military to protect the coastline from a sea attack and to provide a safe refuge for the island’s citizens.
The engineers, who designed the fort, made use of the natural topography of this double-peaked, steep volcanic hill rising 230 metres.
St. Christopher (St. Kitts) as the first West Indian Island to be colonized by Europeans, specifically the French and English, was the scene of many battles in the struggle for dominance in this region.
The earliest use of Brimstone Hill for European military purposes was in 1690 when the British installed a canon to drive out the French. The fortress evolved over the next century and served until 1853 when the British military abandoned it and dismantled many of the buildings.
The principal structures of the fortress are situated on different levels of the upper third of the hill and were constructed in dressed stone (basalt) blocks with a rubble core. Local limestone was used as a decorative element for quoins and for facing round doorways and embrasures. Quarries on the middle and lower slopes of the hill provided much of the stone. The heart of the fortress, Fort George also known as the Citadel, dominates one of the twin peeks. Completed towards the end of the 1700s, this is the earliest surviving example of the “Polygonal System” of fortress design. The entire site covers approximately 15 hectares.
2.Sugar Museum (St. Kitts):
Housed in an old sugar factory, this museum showcases the history of sugar production in St. Kitts. Visitors can learn about the sugarcane industry and its significance to the island’s culture and economy.
3 Basseterre:
The capital city is known for its historical architecture, including the Independence Square and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.It is one of the oldest cities in the Carribean having been founded by the French in 1627. One third of the island’s population of 48,000 live here.
4. Mount Liamuig:
This dormant volcano provides a challenging hike and rewards adventurers with breathtaking views from the summit.
5 Nevis Island:
Known for its lush landscapes and historical sites like the Bath Hotel, the island offers tranquility and stunning views of the surrounding sea.
6 The Botanical Gardens of Nevis:
A beautiful garden showcasing tropical plants, walking paths, and a peaceful atmosphere.
7.Sugar Plantations:
Explore the ruins of former sugar plantations, which are a testament to the islands’ rich history in sugar production.
8.The Alexander Hamilton Museum:
Located in Nevis, this museum honors the birthplace of English diplomat Alexander Hamilton, providing insights into his life and legacy.
Destination: St Kitts and Nevis
