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Nassau's sheltered harbor is alive with the hustle and bustle of the cruise ships, while a block away, Bay Street with palms bordering the street is busy with commercial activity. Shops via for... |
Nassau’s sheltered harbor is alive with the hustle and bustle of the cruise ships, while a block away, Bay Street with palms bordering the street is busy with commercial activity. Shops via for tourist dollars with imported goods at duty-free prices, with Straw Market vendors straining for the same dollars with a few shops overflowing with authentic Bahamian crafts, food supplies, and other delights.
The historical sites of Nassau are all in and around the downtown area. With its downtown revitalized Nassau is recapturing some of its former glory of the past. Leading the way is the renovated British Colonial Hilton. There are additional sights you will want to see before you leave Nassau.
Bahamas Historical Society Museum: If you are interested in the history of Nassau and its origin such as life before the European settlements, this collection of artifacts will give you an idea of what life was like for those thousands of years.
Balcony House: This 18th century landmark is a pink two-story house named for its overhanging balcony. This is the oldest wooden residential building in the area. Its furnishings and its design are from a long past time era. The house was made from American cedar. The mahogany staircase is believed to have been salvaged from a ship during the 19th century and is the climax of the interior. There is a guided tour through this charming building is an hour well spent.
Central Bank of the Bahamas: Even though the Central Bank of the Bahamas monitors and regulates the country’s financial institutions, the cornerstone was laid by Princes Charles on July 9, 1973, during the country’s Independence celebrations, and the bank was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in February of 1975. All year exhibits on two floors of the lobby display Bahamian artist’ work.
Christ Church Cathedral: The stained glass windows are worth the walk off the main thoroughfare. This cathedral was built in 1837. The white pillars of the church’s roomy interior support the ceiling beamed with dark wood. The crucifixion on the east window’s center panel has the Empty Tomb on one side and the Ascension on the other. In the small Garden of Remembrance stone plaques adorn the walls.
Fort Fincastle and the Water Tower: This fort looks like the old paddle wheel steamer and is balanced near the top of the Queen’s Staircase. Fort Fincastle is named for Royal Governor Lord Dunmore also known as Viscount Fincastle was completed in 1793 to be used as a lookout post for marauders trying to sneak into the harbor. In the 19th century it served as a lighthouse. The fort’s 126-ft-tall water tower, which makes it more than 200 ft. above sea level is the highest point on the island. From here the view of Nassau and its harbor is stunning.
Government House: The official residence of the governor-general of the Bahamas since 1801. Located on Duke Street this impressive pink and white building is a good example of the mingling of Bahamian-British and American Colonial architecture. The graceful columns and broad circular drive are reminiscent of the Virginia or the Carolinas. The color of pink, the distinctive white quoins, which is the cross laid cornerstones, and the louvered wooden shutters to keep out the tropical sun is definitely Bahamian. Midway up the steps is an 1830 statue of Christopher Columbus. This is the location of the changing of the guards, which takes place twice a month, every other Saturday morning at 10. The pomp and pageantry are members of the Royal Bahamian Police Force Band. They wear white tunics, red-striped trousers and spiked, white pit helmets with red bands. The drummers wear leopard skins.