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CRUISING TO THE CARIBBEAN:
ST. KITTS ATTRACTIONS: BRIMSTONE HILL |
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Introduction The gate.
Brimstone Hill Fortress is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and a national park. Leaving aside its historical and architectural significance, it is worth a visit just for its spectacular views. The fortress sits atop a 6,000 year old volcanic done that rises 800 feet above sea level. Its sides are steep, almost vertical in places, and alternate between bare rock and lush tropical cover. Seen from the sea, it is immediately apparent that this is an important strategic location commanding all that surrounds it. Accordingly, the British first began to fortify the hill in 1690 and construction continued intermittently for nearly a century. Construction of the fortress was facilitated by the proximity of useful building materials. The stone walls were cut from the volcanic dome itself. The mortar that holds the stones together came from limestone that was displaced when the dome emerged from the sea. Nonetheless, given its height and the steepness of the hill, designing and building the fort must have been a Herculean task. The design was done by British military engineers while the bulk of the construction labor was done by African slaves. |
In 1782, the fortress was besieged by 8,000 French
troops. Although the site seems as if it would be naturally impregnable, the 1,000 defenders surrendered after a month of siege. When the British regained St. Kitts by treaty in 1783, they set to work strengthening and enhancing the fortress. It came to be known as “the Gibraltar of the West Indies” and was never captured again. In the mid-19th Century, the British no longer perceived a threat to St. Kitts and determined that its troops would be better deployed elsewhere. As a result, the fortress was abandoned and left to deteriorate. By the 1960s, residents of St. Kitts had become concerned about the state of the site and efforts were begun to preserve and restore it. These efforts eventually led to it being declared a national park and a World Heritage site. The fort is open every day except Christmas and Good Friday from 9:30 to 5:30. There is a nominal admission charge. |
The Citadel
At the very top of the hill is the fortresses' ultimate defense position, The Citadel A polygonal shaped structure, its massive walls are surrounded by a dry moat dug into the peek.
On top of the battlements are numerous antique cannons. While inside the walls are administrative and storage facilities. But what really makes the climb worthwhile are the views from the battlements. Not only are the views across St. Kitts coastal plain and the sea to the nearby island of St. Eustatius and beyond spectacular, but the view from the back of the Citadel up the mountain valley isquite scenic. |
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The BastionsThe Citadel is not the only defensive position. Immediately below it is the Prince of Wales artillery bastion. Still further below that is yet another bastion.
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Other areas
Left: The Parade grounds.
Right: The Infantry Officers' Quarters. Below and right: The ruins of the Artillery Officers Quarters. |
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Cruise destination travel guide - St. Kitts - St. Kitts attractions - Brimstone Hill