Explore Castries: A Caribbean Gem of History and Nature
A deep inlet among hills covered with houses and rainforest is home to Castries, the bustling capital of Saint Lucia, overlooking the Caribbean island’s northwest coast.
In front lies the Caribbean Sea, while hills and an old military fort on the Morne Fortune dominate the tropical landscape of this town of about 20,000 inhabitants (more than 70,000 in the district).
History
Founded in the mid-17th century by French settlers, it soon came under English control. Built initially as a quiet anchorage port, it was not until the first half of the 19th century, with the advent of British rule, that Castries became the capital of Saint Lucia and an important naval port capable of serving the entire British fleet.
The city that presents itself to the eyes of the tourist today, however, is not the original one from colonial times. Just like many other Caribbean capitals, in fact, it has been repeatedly destroyed by natural events and terrible fires on more than one occasion; the last one, in 1948, practically razed much of the old town to the ground.
What to See in Castries
The capital is enclosed around its harbor, the starting point for discovering the city, especially for the thousands of tourists who arrive here each year on luxury cruise ships. In fact, it is customary for visitors to go to the duty-free shopping area in the Pointe-Seraphine complex in the northern part of the harbor.
On the subject of shopping, the old covered market (Central Market) on Jeremie Street is as lively and authentic as the city has to offer. Here it is possible to buy handicrafts and foodstuffs, while on the other side of the street is the Craft Market, a place par excellence devoted to buying local crafts.
In the heart of the town stands the delightful Dereck Walcott Square, a small 17th-century square built by the French initially as the Square of Arms and renamed a century later Columbus Square, in honor of Christopher Columbus. It was not until 1992, however, that it acquired its current name as a tribute to local Nobel laureate in literature Dereck Walcott. A war memorial has also been erected here, but dominating the square is a majestic as well as old samaan tree, which is said to be over 400 years old (but some swear it is over 500).
Just on one side of the square stands the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, dated 1897, whose interior is brightly frescoed with biblical and tropical motifs, while on the west side is the Victorian-style public library building.
The flashy old buildings surrounding the square are among the few that survived the terrible fire of 1948.
Exploring Morne Fortune
Having exhausted the city tour, one can move on to the local Vigie Beach, just north of the harbor beyond the eponymous peninsula that closes the bay. On the end of the small peninsula stands the lighthouse (Vigie lighthouse) from which there is a fantastic view.
Just south of Castries, on the other hand, the hills rise higher and higher to form the Morne Fortune, where on May 24, 1796, the British defeated the French in a historic battle, as commemorated by the obelisk dedicated to the 27th Inniskilling Regiment. The winding road that one travels to reach the mountain is nothing short of spectacular and offers overview views of the island and the Caribbean Sea that are nothing short of unique.
On Morne Fortune also stands the Governor’s residence, but more importantly a series of French fortifications (Fort Charlotte) built beginning in the second half of the 18th century and later expanded by the British until the early 20th century. Many of the structures have recently been restored, and one of them currently houses a high school.
The beaches of Castries
To find the most beautiful beaches, you have to move a few kilometres away from the town.
Actually, without straying too far, you can also take a dip at Vigie Beach, which stretches right next to the airport runway.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for something a little more atmospheric, still fairly close to the centre is Choc Bay, with its Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort, suitable for couples, built on a picture-postcard beach with white sand, palm trees and crystal-clear sea.
On the same bay, only a few hundred metres further north, the beach changes its name to Choc Beach, but retains the same spectacular features.
Continuing the coastal journey northwards, the beautiful Labrellotte Bay is also excellent for families with children, as the water here is shallow and always calm. It is overlooked by a number of resorts, the best known of which is theEast Winds.
Continuing in a northerly direction, one finally reaches Saint Lucia’s most touristy area, the famous Rodney Bay.
South of the port of Castries, on the other hand, the most interesting beach is La Toc Beach , not too busy and characterised by golden sand, while in the direction of Roseau is the famous Marigot Bay.
Where to Eat
To enjoy authentic Saint Lucian cuisine, visit the Central Market, where vendors sell fresh produce and traditional dishes like green fig and saltfish. For a more refined meal, try The Coal Pot near Vigie Marina, known for its creative Caribbean menu. Casual diners can head to Antillia Brewing Company for craft beers and light bites.
Where to Stay
For luxury, choose Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort at Choc Bay, offering all-inclusive comfort. The Harbor Club in Rodney Bay provides convenient access to nightlife and restaurants. For a quieter retreat, the boutique Auberge Seraphine near Vigie Marina offers scenic waterfront views.
