Cruise destination:
BLACKBEARD'S CASTLE AND THE KONGENS QUARTER
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On a hill overlooking downtown Charlotte Amalie is the historic Kongens (King's) Quarter. In this pretty, tree-shaded area are a number of historic buildings and other attractions. All of these are within walking distance of each other. However, as the hill is somewhat steep, the easiest way to explore this area is to start at the top and work your way down.
Most of the attractions are part of a complex known as Blackbeard's Castle or the Skytsborg Historical Park. Picking up on the popularity of Caribbean pirates, the complex has been given a pirate theme complete with statues of pirates and the occasional costumed character. This makes the complex moire appealing to families with children but the theme is not so intrusive as to prevent mature appreciation of the history, architecture and landscaping. The centerpiece of the complex is a stone tower referred top as Blackbeard's Tower or more properly Skytsborg Tower. A National Historic Landmark, the castle is actually a watchtower built by the Danes in 1679 to protect the harbor. However, over the years, island legend has linked it to the pirate Edward Teach who some claim operated out of St. Thomas for a time. Also included in the complex are a pool and a bar. |
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Above: Villa Notman.
Below: Scenes from the historic houses. Below right: Haagensen House. |
Three colonial era historic homes are also open to view. Villa Notman, built in 1860 of native rock and yellow ballast brick is probably the prettiest of these. It has a large wrought iron balcony imported from New Orleans, which overlooks the harbor.
Haagensen House was built in 1822 but subsequently purchased by a Danish banker. It has five rooms restored with antique furniture that give a glimpse of the elegant lifestyle of the merchant class in the 19th century. Similarly, Britannia House (1847) was once the home of the British consul. It is one of the few remaining wooden residences on the island from that period. The rooms contain antique West Indian furniture. 
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Cruise destination - - St Thomas (Caribbean) - Blackbeard's Castle and the Kongens Qyarter - page 1