St KittsBasseterreThe picturesque capital, located near the seabord of the west coast, retains the flavor of both French and British occupation, and there are many Georgian buildings surrounding Independence Square. Other sights in or near the capital include: The Circus, the market, St George’s Church, Craft House, Brimstone Hill Fortress, Black Rocks, Romney Manor and the Caribelle Batik Factory, the Primate Research Center, Frigate Bay Development, the southeastern peninsula and Mount Liamuiga’s volcanic crater.
Brimstone HillOne of the most
impressive New World forts, built on the peak of a sulphuric prominence, known as ‘The Gibraltar of the West Indies’. It commands the southern approach to what were the sugar mill plains, and boasts a splendid view of the nearby islands of Saba and St Eustatius. Built in 1690, Brimstone was the scene of a number of Franco-British battles during the 18th century.
Frigate BayThis is the main resort area on the island and has been designated a Tourist Area by the Government. It boasts two fine beaches, hotels, a golf course and a casino.
NevisSince the 18th century, Nevis has been known as the ‘Queen of the Caribbean’, and over the last 100 years, the island has become one of the world’s most exclusive resorts and spas. Most of the original plantation owners lived on the island and it became renowned as a center of elegant and gracious living. Although Nevis has lived through an earthquake and a tidal wave, which is claimed to have buried the former capital, the island is still dotted, as is St Kitts, with fascinating old buildings and historic sites.
CharlestownThe capital is a delightful town, with weathered wooden buildings decorated like delicate gingerbread and great arches of brilliantly colored bougainvillaea. The town contains several reminders of Nevisian history, such as the Cotton Ginnery, Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace and museum, the Court House, the War Memorial, the Alexandra Hospital and the Jewish Cemetery. Some of the plantation houses have now been transformed into superb hotels, such as the famous
Nisbet. Other sights in or near Charlestown include: Nevis Philatelic Bureau, the Public Library, the Market, Bath House (one of the oldest hotels in the Leeward Islands), Eva Wilkin’s studio, Eden Brown’s Great House, Fig Tree Church, Nelson Museum, Bath Hot Springs and the Newcastle Pottery.
ElsewhereNorth of Charlestown is Pinney’s Beach, one of the best on the island, an expanse of silver sand, backed by palm trees. Further north still, Black Sand Beach and Hurricane Hill offer excellent views of both St Kitts and Barbuda.
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