Major Landmarks to Explore
in St Thomas for Cruise Travelers
- reviews of
Fort Christian, Blackbeard's Castle, Haagensen House, Villa Notman, Hotel 1829,
Historical Museum, Pissaro's Building, Emancipation Park, The 99 Steps, St. Thomas Reformed Church, St Peter and Paul Cathedral.
All Major Historical Landmarks in St Thomas are located in Charlotte Amalie. Unlike other major towns in the Caribbean, the delightful capital city of the Island has a great number of historical landmarks that can (and should) be explored on your 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.
It should be noted that historical landmarks like the St Thomas Synagogue in Charlotte Amalie and the Frederick Evangelical Church have been included in highlights page. Discover the Highlights of St Thomas.
1. Fort Christian
The oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands (dates back to 1671), this fort that holds the St. Thomas Museum has been under renovation since 2007 and is currently closed. It has been a town center, a government building, a jail and more recently a museum. It was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Fort Christian - Charlotte Amalie
Photo Courtesy of Jason Walden
| Location | In Charlotte Amalie | By the Waterfront | When docked in the Havensight Dock, the cruise travel will pass by the fort on the way to Charlotte Amalie. |
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2. 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.
Blackbeard's Castle - Charlotte Amalie
Photo: management
| Location: | Charlotte Amalie - Kongen’s quarter |
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| Address: | Lille Taarne Gade |
| Open: | Seasonal: October 20, 2015 - May 1, 2016 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00am - 2:00pm |
| Entrance: | US $10.00 |
| Website: | Visit Official Site |
| Phone: | 340-776-1234 |
NOTES: According to legend, Edward Teach, the pirate known as Blackbeard used the tower to look for his victims.
3. 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.
Haagensen House - Charlotte Amalie
Photo: Management
| Location: | Charlotte Amalie - Kongen’s quarter |
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| Address: | Government Hill, behind Hotel 1829 |
| Open: | December – April: Tuesday to Thursday 9:00am to 3:00pm; | May to November: weekdays 9:00am – 2:00pm |
| Website: | Visit Official Site |
| Phone: | 340-776–1234 |
4. 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.
Villa Notman - Charlotte Amalie
Photo by Management
| Location: | Charlotte Amalie - Kongen’s quarter |
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| Address: | Dronnigens Gade |
| Open: | October 20, 2015 - May 1, 2016 between Tuesday to Thursday 9:00am - 2:00pm |
| Website: | Visit Official Site |
| Phone: | 340-776-1234 |
5. Hotel 1829
(Included on Historical Walking Tour)
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.
Hotel 1829 - Charlotte Amalie
Photo © IQCruising.com
| Location: | Charlotte Amalie |
|---|---|
| Address: | Government Hill |
| Open: | October 20, 2015 - May 1, 2016 between Tuesday to Thursday 9:00am - 2:00pm |
| Website: | Visit Official Site |
NOTES: Next to the famous 99 steps.
6. Historical 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, and organizes one of the must-do-see in Charlotte Amalie: the historical walking tour.
Historical Museum - Charlotte Amalie
Photo by management
| Location: | Charlotte Amalie |
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| Address: | Roosevelt Park (renamed in 1945 in honor of a presidential visit). |
| Open: | Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm. |
| Website: | Visit Official Site |
| Phone: | 340 774 5541 |
7. 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 he 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.
Pissaro's Building - Charlotte Amalie
Photo © IQCruising.com
| Location: | Main Street - opposite the Royal Dane Mall |
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| Address: | 14 Dronningens Gade |
| Open: | Everyday: 9:00am - 5:00pm |
| Phone: | 340 774 4612 |
8. Emancipation Park
Emancipation Park
Photo © IQCruising.com
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.
9. Legislature Building
Legislature Building
Photo by Farragutful CC-by-SA
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.
10. The 99 Steps
The 99 Steps
Photo © IQCruising.com
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.
11. Government House
Government House
Photo © IQCruising.com
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.
| Address: | 21-22 Kongens Gade |
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| Website: | Facebook Page |
12. 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.
St. Thomas Reformed Church
Photo © IQCruising.com
| Where: | Corner of Nye Gade & Crystal Gade |
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| Phone: | 340 776 8255 |
| Website: | www.stthomasreformedchurch.org |
| Mass: | Sundays - 9 AM |
13. 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 the church is open for daily services and also to visitors.
St Peter and Paul Cathedral
Photo by Farragutful CC-by-SA
| Where: | 22 Kronprindsens Gade |
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| Phone: | 340-774-0201 |
| Website: | Visit Official Site |
14. Post Office Building
Post Office Building
Photo by Captain Tucker CC-by-SA
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.
15. Market Square
Market Square
Photo © IQCruising.com
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.
16. Bluebeard's Castle
Bluebeard's Castle
Photo by Management
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: | www.bluebeards-castle.com |
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