Discover Gustavia’s Historical Sites

The Island

Discover Gustavia’s Legends and

Historical
Sites

Aug 15, 2024

In between colorful little streets and atop lush hills, the history of our beautiful island rests and rises proudly. With a wide collection of fortresses, towers, political buildings, and wide halls, Gustavia, the capital town of St. Barts, is the perfect setting to explore the many legends and mystical stories surrounding it all.

Dare to discover the surprises that have been waiting for you for centuries.

Fort Karl

Standing tall in Gustavia, Fort Karl is a historical souvenir and witness of the island’s connection to Sweden, as well as a demonstration of strategic surveillance spots and how they were used to safeguard the harbor.

Records show that the fort was built all the way back, in the late 18th century, when the island was not only a critical trading and cultural point but also a contested prize among colonial powers.

Alongside other structures and fortresses, Fort Karl is not only a reminder of the colonial history of the island, but also a wonderful place to take aerial photos of Gustavia and the surrounding endless blue of the ocean.

Wall House

One of the largest buildings in old Gustavia, with a story that is just as enticing as it is mysterious and confusing.

It is said that originally, the Wall House –nowadays also known as Musée Territorial et Bibliothèque–, was an entertainment venue, where performers made a show of their multiple talents such as dancing and acting. It is also said that it could have been a hotel, welcoming all kinds of travelers from sailor officials to socialités and everything in between, or even a political hall, where most major decisions concerning the island were made.

As of today, the second floor of the Wall House is home to the city library, and the first floor houses a permanent exhibition room, open to visitors.

Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

Finished in the early 19th century, in 1829, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is a traditional religious building with Spanish architectural influence all over – a single arched opening up front, sober and ample insides, and specks of marble here and there, accompanied by wood to tie it all up together.

The bell tower of the church, the main square, and other additional side structures are protected and have been named Historic Monuments, making this entire site a must-see for history lovers and antiqueness enthusiasts.

Comfortably located in the heart of Gustavia, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is also just a few minutes away from other major sites such as Fort Karl and the Gustavia lighthouse, marking the perfect starting point for a walking sightseeing tour.

Gustavia Lighthouse

A majestic 20-century lighthouse located downtown, overlooking the Caribbean magic around it – the open wide landscapes, the colorful little houses, and the people eager to discover the many wonders of sunny St. Barts.

It’s probably one of the youngest historical sites to visit, as it was built in 1961 on the grounds of the much more ancient, equally as stunning Fort Gustav. The round, conical tower has a single red band with the city name written on it, and after a short hike uphill, the top offers a unique privileged setting for a sunset-watching date, with panoramic views overlooking the harbor and nothing but the sky meeting the ocean everywhere you look.

Swedish Bell Tower

Another reminder of the island’s history as a Swedish colony, from the late 18th century and well into the late 19th century. Located in the very heart of Gustavia, the Swedish Bell Tower was built to replace the old bell tower of the Sophia Magdalena Protestant church.

Today, the Sofia Magdalena bell, named after the Swedish Queen Sofia Magdalena of Denmark, plays a few times a day, from the comfort of the tower, to let everyone know it is still standing tall.

Dare to discover the many legends and stories lying around St. Barts, and prepare to feel like a time traveler in a breathtaking natural set.