Grenada, or the Spice Island, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Its beaches and waterfalls are known worldwide as the country’s biggest attractions.Here is 5 must visit heritage sites in Grenada.
This beautiful country draws in hundreds of tourists every year due to the several festivals that take place here. These include Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival, Island Water World Sailing Week, and the Grenada Sailing Festival and Workboat Regatta.
But beyond the country’s top attractions, there are other reasons Grenada is a popular destination among tourists and people looking for a second home. Its natural beauty and temperate climate make it one of the best places in the Caribbean to spend long holidays and reside in permanently or for extended periods.
Grenada also lies below the hurricane belt, making it one of the few countries in the Caribbean that do not get hit and devastated by strong typhoons on a regular basis.
Finally, the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program or CIP offers several advantages that being a citizen of this country is something you will do well to consider.
Through the Grenada CIP, you can own a passport issued by the country and enjoy dual and lifetime citizenship.
A Grenada passport allows you visa-free travel to over 130 countries. Also, it is the only citizenship by investment jurisdiction in the Caribbean that is an E-2 Visa Treaty Country, which means that citizens may apply for an E-2 visa in the U.S.A.
Through Grenada’s CIP, you can also own a home and obtain a second passport at the same time.
Grenada’s Top Historical Sites
Whether you are visiting or residing in Grenada soon, knowing about its history will allow you to enjoy your stay here better. Moreover, it is a great opportunity for you to immerse yourself in a new, fascinating culture.
Below are the five best historical sites you have to visit in Grenada:
- Fort George
Grenada’s capital city, St. George, was founded in 1650 by the French.
Around 1666, French colonists started constructing a wooden fortification point overlooking the country’s natural harbor, which was subsequently named Fort Royal.
In 1706, Fort Royal began undergoing improvement work. By 1710, construction was completed.
In 1763, the fort was renamed Fort George in 1763 in honor of King George III when the British took possession of Grenada officially.
Fort George is a small bastion tracer fort, which means it gives covering fire for the defendants. It was once the heart of the capital city and had various uses but over the years, it soon became a simple extensive historical building.
At present, Fort George is the official address of the Royal Grenada Police. However, there are some sections open to the public, which provide superb 360-degree views of the city.
- Dougaldston Estate
A visit to the Dougaldston Estate allows you to take a journey back in time while going on a spice discovery and tasting tour.
The Dougaldston Estate is located outside of Gouyave, one of the picturesque towns of Grenada.
The estate’s main attraction is the old spice-processing plant, which is near a lovely creek. The old building is filled with interesting machinery and tools used in the past for producing spices.
When you take a tour of the estate, you will be taken through the steps of growing and processing spices. Depending on the time of the year, your visit here will allow you to know more about cinnamon, pimento, cloves, mace, and other well-known seasoning and herbs.
During the tour, you will be given the opportunity to sample these spices and take some home as souvenirs.
- Fort Frederick
This fort has seen the most action in Grenada.
Fort Frederick was built by the French to secure their position after capturing the country from the British in 1779.
The French achieved this by attacking Grenada inland, which confused the British, who were expecting a naval invasion.
The French constructed Fort Frederick with its cannons facing inland, rather than the sea, to avoid being caught in the same way by the British. Because of this, it was called “the backward-facing fort.”
Aside from its fascinating history, the fort provides visitors with fantastic views. The area has the best panoramic sights of Grenada’s coastline and the dazzling horizon of the Caribbean Sea.
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is the oldest church in Grenada. Construction began in 1818 and was completed in 1884.
This Catholic church is located on Church Street in St. George, on a hill overlooking the harbor. Its temple decoration is simple compared with other European Catholic cathedrals.
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral once housed a pipe organ built by the Bryson Co. in London in 1880. It was one of the finest, most beautiful instruments in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, it was damaged by Hurricane Ivan.
The church also has eye-catching olden high-altar brass candle holders and a silver monstrance and crucifix.
The church was recently renewed because it was damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
- The Tower Estate
The Tower Estate is a historic plantation house and gardens located in St. Paul’s Community in the parish of St. George. Its main attractions are the Great House and garden.
The estate provides visitors with a historical house, garden, and organic farm tours, all of which take place on the massive property. You can also enjoy afternoon tea and Sunday brunch during your visit here.
The Great House features grand mahogany floors and ceilings and period furnishings. It has an old-world feel that allows you to have a glimpse of Grenada’s past.
The garden covers several gardens that feature a variety of flowers, vegetables, fruits, herbs, and medicinal plants used for signature tea blends.
Additionally, the garden has numerous spice, tropical, and wood trees, including flamboyant, mahogany, and bay leaf.
If you want to indulge in a traditional Sunday three-course brunch, you won’t be disappointed by the wonderful mix of breakfast and lunch options based on the produce available in the garden.
The dining area is surrounded by antiques and rare photos from Grenada’s history, allowing you to know more about the country’s heritage.
If you’re looking for a country to visit or call a second home that boasts of beautiful natural attractions and fascinating history this year, you won’t go wrong with choosing Grenada. It is the perfect destination for your post-COVID-19 travel.
