- Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park
Location: Saint Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria:(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is located on the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean. The fortress was built by the British in the late 17th and early 18th centuries to protect their interests in the region, and it is considered one of the best-preserved examples of military architecture in the Americas.
Prominent Features: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is characterized by its impressive military architecture and strategic location. Some of the most notable features include:
The Fortress: The fortress is built on a steep hill overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and it features a complex system of walls, bastions, and redoubts. The design of the fortress is based on European military architecture of the time, and it is considered a masterpiece of engineering.
The Citadel: The Citadel is the highest point of the fortress and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It was used as a defensive position and as a storage facility for weapons and ammunition.
The Quarters: The Quarters were built for the soldiers and officers stationed at the fortress. They are now used to house a museum and visitor center.
The Cemetery: The cemetery is located outside the walls of the fortress and contains the graves of soldiers and officers who died during their service at the fortress.
History: Brimstone Hill Fortress was built by the British in the late 17th and early 18th centuries to protect their interests in the Caribbean. The fortress was strategically located to defend against attacks by rival European powers and pirates. The fortress played a significant role in the slave trade and was later used as a quarantine station during the outbreak of yellow fever.
Fun Fact: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is home to a colony of Green Vervet monkeys, which are native to St. Kitts and Nevis.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the fortress and its impressive military architecture, visit the museum and visitor center to learn about the history of the fortress and the island, and enjoy the panoramic views from the Citadel.
Entry Fees: There is an entry fee for visitors to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. As of 2023, the fee for adults is USD 15 and for children (ages 5-12) it is USD 5. Visitors can also purchase a combination ticket that includes entry to other historic sites on the island, such as the St. Kitts Railway and the National Museum. The park also offers guided tours for an additional fee.
How to Reach It: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is located on the island of St. Kitts. Visitors to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park can travel by bus or taxi from Basseterre, the capital city of St. Kitts. The park is located about 10 miles outside of Basseterre and the journey by public transport can take about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are also available for hire, and can be arranged through the hotel or a local tour operator.
Where to Stay:There are several accommodation options available near Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. Visitors can choose to stay in Basseterre or nearby towns such as Frigate Bay or Sandy Point. There are a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals available to suit different budgets and preferences.
Next Stop: La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria:(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is located on the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean. The fortress was built by the British in the late 17th and early 18th centuries to protect their interests in the region, and it is considered one of the best-preserved examples of military architecture in the Americas.
Prominent Features: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is characterized by its impressive military architecture and strategic location. Some of the most notable features include:
The Fortress: The fortress is built on a steep hill overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and it features a complex system of walls, bastions, and redoubts. The design of the fortress is based on European military architecture of the time, and it is considered a masterpiece of engineering.
The Citadel: The Citadel is the highest point of the fortress and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It was used as a defensive position and as a storage facility for weapons and ammunition.
The Quarters: The Quarters were built for the soldiers and officers stationed at the fortress. They are now used to house a museum and visitor center.
The Cemetery: The cemetery is located outside the walls of the fortress and contains the graves of soldiers and officers who died during their service at the fortress.
History: Brimstone Hill Fortress was built by the British in the late 17th and early 18th centuries to protect their interests in the Caribbean. The fortress was strategically located to defend against attacks by rival European powers and pirates. The fortress played a significant role in the slave trade and was later used as a quarantine station during the outbreak of yellow fever.
Fun Fact: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is home to a colony of Green Vervet monkeys, which are native to St. Kitts and Nevis.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the fortress and its impressive military architecture, visit the museum and visitor center to learn about the history of the fortress and the island, and enjoy the panoramic views from the Citadel.
Entry Fees: There is an entry fee for visitors to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. As of 2023, the fee for adults is USD 15 and for children (ages 5-12) it is USD 5. Visitors can also purchase a combination ticket that includes entry to other historic sites on the island, such as the St. Kitts Railway and the National Museum. The park also offers guided tours for an additional fee.
How to Reach It: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park is located on the island of St. Kitts. Visitors to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park can travel by bus or taxi from Basseterre, the capital city of St. Kitts. The park is located about 10 miles outside of Basseterre and the journey by public transport can take about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are also available for hire, and can be arranged through the hotel or a local tour operator.
Where to Stay:There are several accommodation options available near Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. Visitors can choose to stay in Basseterre or nearby towns such as Frigate Bay or Sandy Point. There are a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals available to suit different budgets and preferences.
Next Stop: La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico