Top 16 Historical Sites
in St. Thomas (USVI) Cruise Port

There are quite a few historical sites in Charlotte Amalie, the delightful capital city of St Thomas. Cruise visitors can explore all these landmarks on their own, preferably on foot.

For those that prefer the expertise of a Tour Guide, the St. Thomas Historical Trust (housed in the Historical Museum) offers interesting tours and, consequentially, is our number one of the top landmarks to visit in St Thomas.

Be aware that historical landmarks like the Synagogue, the Fort Christian, and the Frederick Evangelical Church are reviewed on our highlights page. Read our page reviews of theHighlights of St Thomas. to learn more about these historical sites.

1. St Thomas Historical Trust Museum

The Mini-Museum of the St. Thomas Historical Trust displays in its 5 rooms photos, antique furniture, art, maps and artifacts of the island.

The St. Thomas Historical Trust organizes one of the must-do-see in Charlotte Amalie: the historical walking tour of dowtown. Admission is free, but donations help to keep the museum open.

Location:

Charlotte Amalie

Address:

5332 Raadets Gade - between the Main Street and the Waterfront

Hours:

Currently open on an appointment basis

Phone:

+1 340 774 5541

Website:

stthomashistoricaltrust.org

2. Emancipation Park

In the east side of the Charlotte Amalie, this park commemorates the emancipation of St. Thomas' slaves in 1848.

Look out for the replica of the Liberty Bell on the corner close to the music stand.

3. The 99 Steps

Built by the Danes to give easier access to the hills above Charlotte Amalie, the 99 Steps is a wonderful site and easier to climb than what it sounds (if you count the steps, you will find that in fact these are 103).

The steps connect downtown Charlotte Amalie and the Government Hill. Once on top, the Blackbeard’s Castle is just a few more steps away.

4. St. Thomas Reformed Church

The oldest congregation in the Virgin Islands built the first Reformed Church in the 1670's, which was then rebuilt in the 1740's.

In 1804 a fire burned the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church only to be rebuilt a couple of years later. After the 2017 Hurricane Season, the St Thomas Reformed Church was one the first religious sites to re-open.

Address:

Corner of Nye Gade & Crystal Gade

Phone:

+1 (340) 776 - 8255

Mass:

Sundays - 10 AM

Website:

strchurch.org

5. Legislature Building

Built to house the Danish troops barracks this building aka King’s Wharf dates back to 1874. The ceremony that transfered the Virgin Islands to the US took place in this building. It is now known as Legislature Building for this this is where the Virgin Islands Senate meets.

6. Post Office Building

Right at the start of the Main Street, on the East Side, this is building is impossible to miss.

Most cruise travelers pass by without realizing that inside you will be surprised to see floor-to-ceiling murals by Stephen Dohanos - the American artist known for his Saturday Evening Post covers.

7. Market Square

Very few cruise travelers venture to the west end of St Thomas, in particular since most stores on that side of the town are closed.

At the west end of the Main Street, there is a typical fresh market where in the morning the cruise ship passenger will find vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables.

8. St Peter and Paul Cathedral

The seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese since 1848, this is one of the most interesting religious sites in Charlotte Amalie.

Although under major restoration works after the hurricane , the church has been fully restored and is open for daily services and also to visitors.

Where:

Charlotte Amalie

Address:

2322 Kronprindsens Gade (Main Street)

Hours:

Opne daily 8AM to 4PM | Closed on Saturday

Phone:

+1 340-774-0201

Website:

cathedralvi.org

16. Bluebeard's Castle

With scenic views of the Charlotte Amalie, the harbor and bay, the Bluebeard's Castle dates back to the 1600's and is now a resort.

It is open to visitors to enjoy the wonderful scenery. NOT to be confused with the Blackbeard's Castle.

Website:

bluebeards-castle.com

11. Government House

Built between 1865 and 1867 by the Danes, this is the official residence of the Governor of the Virgin Islands.

The second floor reception area is open to the public.

Where:

Charlotte Amalie

Address:

21-22 Kongens Gade

Phone:

+1 340-774-0001

Website:

www.vi.gov

The following landmarks are still closed after Hurricane Irma hit St Thomas in September 2017. There are plans for the reopening of these sites but for now, these can only be seen from the outside. We visited and reviewed them before 2017.

The following paragraphs reflect our impression of these sites when open. Hopefully, these historical sites will be restored to their former glory, and cruise travelers will be able to visit them again.

Skytsborg Tower (a.k.a. Blackbeard’s Castle)

Blackbeard’s Castle - aka Skytsborg Tower (Danish for “sky tower”) dates back to 1679. Once used as a good lookout over the port and neighboring islands, a courtyard where a bronze sculpture of Blackbeard stands now surrounds the 40 feet tower.

The spiral staircase inside the six-foot-thick walls of the tower takes the cruise ship traveler to one of the best views of Charlotte Amalie.

According to legend, Edward Teach, the pirate known as Blackbeard used the tower to look for his victims.

Location:

Charlotte Amalie - Kongen’s quarter

Address:

Lille Taarne Gade

Haagensen House

The restored 19th century home of Danish entrepreneur has unique features like a tiled patio and a vast sitting room with amazing mahogany table and chairs, and a wrought-iron balcony offering fabulous views of Charlotte Amalie harbor.

Don't miss the collection of 19 life sized bronze pirate statues on the first floor.

Location:

Charlotte Amalie - Kongen’s quarter

Address:

Lille Taarne Gade

Villa Notman

One of the most wonderful villas in St. Thomas, it was originally built in 1860 by the Scottish engineer Robert Notman in 1860 and restored in 2001.

Among its must see features are the white cast-iron balcony, with scenic views of Charlotte Amalie, the mahogany wood floors and furniture contrasting with light yellow walls.

Location:

Charlotte Amalie - Kongen’s quarter

Address:

Dronnigens Gade

Hotel 1829

Connecting with Haagensen House, and just one block away from the Main Street, is impossible to miss the pastel coral color with white shutters of the former home of a wealthy French sea merchant.

Built in 1829, the main floor reveals a stunning courtyard where staircases frame the emblematic Waterfall fountain - made of 12,000 genuine pieces of Amber jewels. The splendid 1829 Bar is another must see It is located very close to the famous 99 steps..

Location:

Charlotte Amalie - Kongen’s quarter

Address:

Government Hill

Pissaro's Building

Located on the north side of the Main Street - in between so many shops that it can be easy to miss - this is the house where the painter Camille Pissaro was born in 1830.

Although it was in France that Pissaro become one of the leading figures of the impressionist movement, this was Camille's home until he definitely moved to Paris in the 1850's. It is now an art gallery and an interesting site to visit.

Where:

Charlotte Amalie's main street, opposite the Royal Dane Mall

Address:

14 Dronningens Gade