 |
Capital city Kingston itself is the cultural and commercial center of the island, but there are many breathtaking sights in the area, as well.
Devon House Heritage Site was built in 1881 by George Steibel, the son of a Jewish merchant and a housekeeper. Steibel made a wise investment in Venezuelan gold mines, and purchased 99 properties in Jamaica with his earnings. Devon House Heritage Site was built on 53 acres of land and designed in the “Jamaican-Georgian” style. The house features very formal and symmetrical lines and is furnished with an incredible collection of antiques from France, England, Jamaica and the Caribbean. The house was named a National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) in 1990. This site, at more than 120 years old, is still hosting events.
Additionally, fans of music history may enjoy the Bob Marley Museum. For about $10(USD), visitors can explore this museum devoted to the late reggae superstar, which is housed in his former studio.
The National Gallery of Art is in Kingston Mall and offers sculpture and paintings by Jamaica's most famous artists. Nearby travelers can also stop in at a craft market and pick up a few souvenirs of Jamaican handiwork as well.
Outside Kingston you'll find the Rockford Mineral Bath, a natural spring that was created during a 1907 earthquake. It quickly became popular throughout Jamaica as a spa, and even now visitors can indulge themselves in a variety of relaxing ways, from picnicking and swimming to getting a massage or whirlpool treatment. There are public and private bath areas as well as a dining area.
Along the South Coast city of Mandeville, visitors can explore the sights of a coffee plantation that dates back two centuries. This plantation, called the Bloomfield Great House, was already standing when Mandeville was made a city in 1938. In 1997, a Jamaican family renovated this historic, Georgian-style building, and it is now host to fine dining, and occasional art exhibits and live music.
Visitors can also spend time at Port Royal, which was destroyed by a 1692 earthquake, or Fort Charles. Visit gardens and parks, or look around for notable historic churches like St. Peter's Church. No matter how long your stay in Jamaica, rest assured that there will be plenty to see.
|
