St. Johns is the capital and largest city, as well as a port in the state called Antigua and Barbuda. Few people know that there are many historical and cultural monuments that deserve the attention of tourists. In this publication, we will talk about what to see in St. John's and what kind of entertainment awaits tourists in the capital of Antigua and Barbuda.
General information
The location of the capital occupies one of the bays of the island of Antigua. With regard to climatic conditions, here they are considered tropical. Temperature indicators reach twenty five to thirty degrees of heat. Most rains occur in summer and autumn.
Historical reference. Antigua and Barbuda on a world map
In the first half of the XVII century, the island of Antigua was taken over by Great Britain, so the city was founded by the British. A century later, industrial enterprises developed here that processed sugarcane, which gave unprecedented income. Slaves were brought in from African territories who worked both on land and in factories. They are the ancestors of modern residents of the state. In the first half of the 19th century, slavery was abolished, but the life of the population in St. John still remained difficult for many years. The city became the capital after the country gained independence in the 80s of the last century, and a state like Antigua and Barbuda appeared on the world map.
Capital Antigua
The city of St. John's is a commercial center and a famous place that attracts tourists. However, at the same time it is considered to be a rather non-standard capital. About thirty thousand people live in this city, and this already makes up half the entire population of Antigua and Barbuda. Despite the fact that a huge number of tourists come here every year, most of St. John's are samples of ancient Caribbean architectural monuments. Tourist leisure is based on spending time in places near the harbor, as well as a picturesque area called Radcliffe-Kwai, which has many cafes, shops, exhibition centers and museums, as well as a large number of old houses that delight travelers with their color. A certain part of the buildings was restored, and the other simply collapsed soon, but all together - this is the spirit of the former capital and its history, which is so loved by those who come here. To explore the whole of St. John's, you need only a couple of hours, as the main monuments of interest are located nearby from each other.
Historic Sites
It is imperative to look at the neo-baroque temple, the construction date of which dates to the end of the first half of the 19th century. The tower structures of the church are a kind of identification mark of Antigua and Barbuda, as well as one of the rarest examples of architectural monuments made of wood and stone. In addition, you need to visit the museum complex, which is located in the courthouse (mid-18th century), located to the west of the cathedral. In the museum you can see an interesting historical exhibition, as well as learn a lot about the cultural characteristics of the life of local Indians and everyday life in colonial time. On Long Street, which is the venue for carnivals, you will find a large number of ancient architecture, among which are the 17th century wine shops (and they still work!). In the small gallery of Nika Mali, you can see exhibitions of artists. Also, if you want to get acquainted with the atmosphere of St. John, you need to go to the old pier Radcliffe Quay, which is the best suited for this purpose. This area of the city is considered one of the oldest, because in these places there are many shops, as well as cafes and bars located in the buildings of the former warehouse. To the back of this place, down Nevis Street, you will find a section of the old slave market, and to the north of it is the streets of the Harwich Quay area, near which cruise ships stop. Because of this, here you can go to duty-free shops, as well as go to a theatrical performance or look at the monuments of local memorials.
What to do in St. John's?
If you come to Antigua, St. Johns will delight you with a farmer's market, which is located in the south of the capital. At the weekend there are a lot of people who want to buy local goods. Cricket is considered to be the most famous sports game on the island, because Antigua even hosts competitions among local teams. A large number of travelers from various countries come to the capital, including because of the opportunity to relax on excellent clean beaches. If you want to enjoy exotic cuisine, be sure to try seafood and drink a fruit drink according to a local recipe.