Antigua and Barbuda: Major Tourist Attractions

The Capital of Antigua and Barbuda, St. John’s is built around a large natural harbour. A strange mixture of sophisticated and shabby, the town has developed areas, which cater to the tourists along with parts that are quite grungy, a town replete with colonial history and Arawak culture.  
 The town has many impressive buildings. St. John’s Cathedral dating back to the 1840’s is the town’s main attraction. This Cathedral has been re-built three times – first in 1683, replaced in 1745 and then again in the 1840’s. Its gargantuan white towers can be seen from all over the town. 

The magnificent towers of St. John’s cathedral are the first introduction to Antigua for all those who arrive by boat. For those interested in exploring the history of the Island, an afternoon spent browsing through the artefacts are the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda would be well spent. Displays include artefacts of pre – Columbian (Arawak) as well as colonial times. The exhibits include a life- size replica of an Arawak house. From the more recent times, the exhibitions includes Viv Richards’ cricket bat with which he broke the record of the fastest century in cricket history. The Museum is located in the Colonial Court house, which itself is worth a visit. The structure was first constructed in 1747 but was damaged by earthquakes. However, the building has now been restored.

West of St. John’s are the ruins of a once magnificent fortification, Fort Barrington. A short drive from St. John’s, this structure overlooks the Deep Bay and the entrance to the St. John’s harbour. Erected by Governor Burk, this fortification has one of the most active histories, witnessing most of the French and British battles in the 17th century.  If you are in the mood for a hike, contact the Historical and Archaeological society that is in charge of arranging group hikes.   

From Fort James, which lies on the opposite side of the St. John’s Harbour, you can admire the entire township of St. John’s. These ruins date back to 1749, though there existed a fort prior to that period.  

For the Cricket aficionado, take a ride down Viv Richards’ Street to visit his childhood home.

Barbuda

Though full of magnificent, long beaches and impressive bird life, tourism in Barbuda is not very developed. The main occupation of the area continues to be fishing and the pace of life in the Island is little different from what it was a few decades back. The stellar attraction of Barbuda is its amazing marine life. Tropical reef and crustaceans flood the seas of Barbuda.

Codrington

A tiny village, Codrington sits on the edge of a lagoon. This is the only village of the island and houses most of the population.

The Island boasts of a 56 ft high tower, Martello Tower and fort. At one point of time, this tower was equipped with 9 guns to protect the Southwest approach to the Island.  Today, the cellars of the tower houses a swarm of killer bees – so, be careful in case you decide to visit the site.

At Spanish point, there is a small ruin of a look out post and the most important Arawak settlement found in Barbuda.