When you think of what the Caribbean has to offer you can't help but instantly imagine clean beaches, vibrant palm trees and sipping cocktails at the poolside of your 5* resort. But visitors planning a holiday to Antigua will be fascinated to discover the wealth of things to see. Nobody's suggesting that you don't relax in the beautiful surroundings of the island, but you'll definitely regret it if you don't venture out to encounter some of the island's cultural gems.
One of the most interesting buildings on the island is the Cathedral of St. John's. Originally built as a church in 1681, the building was deemed aesthetically unpleasing, too small and too shabby. In 1720 a brick church was built around it - over a century later it was deemed a cathedral. This building within a building is located on a volcano and happily adorns many holiday postcards.
The old courthouse in St. Johns is the location of the next point of interest for anyone holidaying in Antigua. First built in 1747, the courthouse is now home to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. Anyone at all interested in Caribbean history will be thrilled with the displays on offer here, which illustrate both the geological and political changes to the island. From objects associated with the slave-trade to the West Indies cricket team, the museum has an impressive selection of artefacts.
The iron cauldrons at Nelson's Dockyard were used to melt tar that would fix ship hulls. Today private yachts populate the dock, but there's plenty of restored building that will make you feel as if you have been transported back in time to a 19th century Royal Navy base. As the sole remaining Georgian dockyard and part of the Nelson's Dockyard National Park, it is a firm favourite with tourists looking to add a little culture to their holiday.
As well as these fantastic sights, the island of Barbuda is just a short boat journey away. Not that you'll run out of things to see if you stick to Antigua - after all, we haven't even mentioned the 17th century sugar mill or the clothing optional Hawskbill Beach Resort - although for some that might be seeing a little too much!
One of the most interesting buildings on the island is the Cathedral of St. John's. Originally built as a church in 1681, the building was deemed aesthetically unpleasing, too small and too shabby. In 1720 a brick church was built around it - over a century later it was deemed a cathedral. This building within a building is located on a volcano and happily adorns many holiday postcards.
The old courthouse in St. Johns is the location of the next point of interest for anyone holidaying in Antigua. First built in 1747, the courthouse is now home to the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. Anyone at all interested in Caribbean history will be thrilled with the displays on offer here, which illustrate both the geological and political changes to the island. From objects associated with the slave-trade to the West Indies cricket team, the museum has an impressive selection of artefacts.
The iron cauldrons at Nelson's Dockyard were used to melt tar that would fix ship hulls. Today private yachts populate the dock, but there's plenty of restored building that will make you feel as if you have been transported back in time to a 19th century Royal Navy base. As the sole remaining Georgian dockyard and part of the Nelson's Dockyard National Park, it is a firm favourite with tourists looking to add a little culture to their holiday.
As well as these fantastic sights, the island of Barbuda is just a short boat journey away. Not that you'll run out of things to see if you stick to Antigua - after all, we haven't even mentioned the 17th century sugar mill or the clothing optional Hawskbill Beach Resort - although for some that might be seeing a little too much!
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