Make your cultural visit to Barbados count
Barbados draws its influences from British and West African cultures, making for a hodgepodge of cultural diversity that makes for an interesting getaway destination. Adding a cultural theme to your vacation is never a bad thing, and staying in one of Barbados’ charming boutique hotels will give you the best of both worlds, not to mention that some of the following attractions are very accessible.
Parliament Buildings in Parliament Square
You can’t miss a visit to the capital (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) Bridgetown. It boasts of a number of historic buildings, which are still intact and demonstrate the earlier architectural influences on the city.
For example, the Parliament Buildings, which were built in the 1870s, are reminiscent of Britain’s Victorian era. Even today, the Parliament Buildings remain one of the main attractions on the island, and are elaborately decorated and illuminated every year in November and December. For tourists staying in Barbados, the city’s boutique hotels will allow them to appreciate the grandeur of the buildings up close. Another notable feature of the Parliament buildings that shows the British influence on the island is the clock tower in the west wing. It sports a four-sided clock, which can be clearly seen from different vantage points throughout the city, making it an important and well-loved landmark.
The historical area of the garrison near the square of the heroes
More popularly known as simply The Garrison, St. Ann’s Garrison served as the headquarters of the British West India Regiment from the 18th to the 19th centuries. It is a massive complex that today features some of the most iconic historical pieces from when it was built. One of its most popular attractions is the National Cannon Collection, which has some of the oldest preserved British cannons in the world. Stay at one of Barbados’ charming boutique hotels accessible from The Garrison, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore this important historical landmark. It is also home to the Garrison Savannah, a historic horse racing track that continues to host the annual Gold Cup and Triple Crown series.
Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels on St. Michael’s Row
Another architectural beauty and historical point of interest in Bridgetown is the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All Angels. Tourists who want to learn more about the country’s culture and history should not miss this. During your stay in Barbados, the boutique hotels located near Bridgetown will put you in close proximity to this site, so transportation will not be a problem.
Originally a small wooden parish church believed to have been built in the 1660s, the cathedral was rebuilt in 1789 and declared a cathedral in 1825. Over the centuries, it has suffered damage from two hurricanes, the first in 1780 and another in 1831 Today, the cathedral boasts a beautiful tower and intricate stained glass windows. Its interior features a marble fountain dating from the 17th century. The graveyard behind the cathedral is the final resting place of two prominent Barbadian icons: the Prime Minister of the West Indies, Sir Grantley Adams, and his son and successor as Prime Minister, Tom Adams.
