Added: 04/26/2006 |
Castries - The Most Fascinating West Indies CapitalThe capital and port of the Island of St Lucia, Castries attracts more and more visitors annually who come to enjoy the island's lush natural resources and rich historic and cultural heritage among others. Appealing to the most sophisticated travelers, the town offers much more beyond its pristine beaches and dramatic countryside, featuring also a number of award-winning restaurants specializing in international cuisine, all-inclusive fashionable resorts and world-class diving. For those interested in shopping, Castries offers everything from bustling markets to fantastic duty-free stores.
Established by the French in 1650, the town was rebuilt following its devastation by fire in 1948. In 1979 Castries gained independence from Britain and two years later it became the headquarters of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
The capital city of St Lucia, Castries has grown around its harbor that occupies currently crater of the extinct volcano. Since a number of devastating fires have destroyed the majority of old constructions, the town looks new, boasting glass buildings which are untypical of most West Indies capitals.
Possibly the most fascinating site in Castries, the public market is a favorite people-watching place on St Lucia, going full every day of the week except Sunday and the most active on Friday and Saturday mornings. To the south of the town you'll see Morne Fortune, known also as the Hill of Good Luck. Located here are the Four Apostles Battery, the old powder magazine, a small museum and a military cemetery. One of a few samples of Victorian architecture which escaped destruction, Government House serves currently as the official residence of St Lucia's governor-general. Offered by Morne Fortune are panoramic views of the harbor of Castries, from which on clear days you can spot Martinique.
St Lucia cannot boast much exciting nightlife, except for entertainment available at hotels. Some of the liveliest sites include the Green Parrot and Capone's, both located in Castries. The center of Rodney Bay is home to the only live jazz and blues bar in St Lucia - Jazz Club and Restaurant St Lucia, offering you a romantic ambiance of the Caribbean and fusion cuisine. Nearby you'll find Shamrocks Pub, enjoying great popularity with boaters and visitors alike. Among other options are the Captain's Cellar on Pigeon Island and the Wharf at Choc Bay.
For those coming to St Lucia for great shopping, Castries offers a number of designer shops and boutiques concentrated on the town's two main streets: Bridge Street and William Peter Boulevard, and offering good purchases in jewelry, bone china, watches, crystal and perfume.
Located some eight miles south of Castries, Marigot Bay is the natural harbor that can be hardly seen from the sea. Now the bay is the location of the Moorings, where you can rent a boat and go board sailing.
The majority of leading hotels on the Island of St Lucia are quite expensive, though some of them are frequently featured in packages. Some of the most affordable options to stay on the island include Harmony Suites, Bay Gardens Hotel, Auberge Seraphine, Poinsettia House, Nature's Paradise and Sandals Regency St Lucia Golf Resort and Spa among others.
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