The Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea is home to many small island nations. Located at the easternmost tip of these islands is Barbados, a stunning island entirely formed of coral reefs. With English as its official language, it has become a popular resort destination, especially among Western tourists.
The capital of Barbados, Bridgetown, is a beautiful city known for its many bridges—just as its name suggests. Bridgetown's old town and garrison, built by the British settlers in the early 17th century, were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. While many Caribbean islands feature colonial cities established by Spain, Bridgetown stands out as a unique example of a city that was consistently built and governed by the British since its colonization. Its World Heritage registration recognizes not only the city's beauty but also the uniqueness of its urban planning.
This time, we will introduce the World Heritage Site of this small capital: “Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.”
What is Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison?
The first Western country to discover the island of Barbados was Spain. However, the Spanish only enslaved the island’s inhabitants and never actually settled there. In 1628, the British arrived on the now-uninhabited island and began colonial administration under the Earl of Carlisle. The colony’s economy was centered around sugarcane cultivation and sugar production, and by the late 17th century, as the colony stabilized, wooden fortifications were constructed.
In the 18th century, these fortifications were upgraded to stone structures, and the Garrison—one of the components of the World Heritage Site—was established during this period. As the city developed, a unique architectural style known as “Caribbean Georgian” emerged, derived from Georgian architecture in the United Kingdom.
However, Bridgetown has suffered from repeated major fires and hurricanes, so the current cityscape is said to have been reconstructed from the 19th century onward. That said, the reconstruction was done with an intent to preserve the historical appearance, so the atmosphere of the colonial era has been well maintained.
Name: Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
Address: Bridgetown, Barbados
Official/Related Site URL: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1376/
Access to Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison
Grantley Adams International Airport, located in the suburbs of Bridgetown. Travelers must transfer in major North American cities such as New York, Toronto, Atlanta, or Miami.
From Grantley Adams International Airport, it takes about 25 minutes by car to reach Bridgetown. There are also buses available from the airport to Bridgetown.
Recommended Highlights of the Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison (1): The Old Town
One of Bridgetown’s defining characteristics is its irregular and intricate street layout, which contrasts with the grid-like layouts common in many colonial cities. As mentioned earlier, many of Bridgetown’s buildings were reconstructed after the 19th century, but the city’s original layout is believed to have remained largely intact.
Still, as a World Heritage city, it boasts many valuable historical buildings. For example, the Barbados Parliament Buildings, constructed in the 1870s, are said to be the third oldest parliament buildings in the Commonwealth. Built in the Neo-Gothic style that originated in Britain in the late 18th century, they harmonize beautifully with the colonial atmosphere of Bridgetown.
Additionally, located north of the old town is a synagogue considered one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. It's a charming, modest-sized building with a pink exterior, packed with the rich history of World Heritage-listed Bridgetown.
Recommended Highlights of the Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison (2): The Garrison District
Located southeast across Carlisle Bay from the old town, the Garrison District is home to a vast complex of defense facilities completed in the 19th century. At its center is St. Ann's Fort, originally built around the early 18th century. Over time, barracks, outposts, and military prisons were added around the fort. Today, several buildings are scattered across the large space known as Garrison Savannah, with some now housing the Barbados Museum.
In the northwest of Garrison Savannah stands the George Washington House, believed to be the oldest building in the district, constructed in 1720. George Washington himself stayed here for two months. The rooms, including bedrooms and dining areas, are furnished in a way that authentically preserves the atmosphere of the time. Interestingly, Barbados is the only country outside the United States that Washington is confirmed to have visited.
Recommended Highlights of the Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison (3): Charles Fort
Charles Fort was the first fort built to defend Bridgetown and was originally called Needham's Fort. It was constructed in the 17th century using wood and later rebuilt in stone during the 18th century. From the cape that juts out south of Carlisle Bay, the fort commands a strategic view over the offshore area of Bridgetown.
Today, much of the fort site has been converted into a resort hotel. One of the bastions remains at the tip of the cape, offering a beautiful view of Bridgetown’s harbor. A photo taken alongside the replica cannons installed there captures the colonial Caribbean atmosphere perfectly. Staying at the resort hotel means spending a night at the site of a World Heritage-listed fort, which adds to the experience and mood.
◎ Summary
This has been an introduction to Barbados’s World Heritage Site, “Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.” Bridgetown’s charm lies not only in its beautiful seas and beaches but also in its role as a historically significant city in the colonial history of the Caribbean.
Beyond the blue sea and white sand, take a walk through the old town’s maze-like streets, visit the remains of the World Heritage-listed fort and garrison, and you’ll truly appreciate the depth and appeal of the historic city of Bridgetown.