Island Culture

Colonial Culture

By Erin Brooks

The pastel-colored architecture and thriving flora and fauna throughout Nassau / Paradise Island make for more than just a pretty postcard: They are testaments to the Colonial influences that still pervade the island, though the Bahamas were granted independence from Great Britain in 1973.

Cultural and historical sites make for easy side trips from the beach. Round out your Bahamas experience with a visit to these places of interest and you may take with you an entirely new view of the island (especially if you make the trek up to the top of the Water Tower).

If you have a half day, don't miss:

Whether you're window shopping or riding along in a horse-drawn surrey in downtown Nassau, all roads seem to lead to Parliament Square. The big, 19th-century pink buildings - complete with the statue of a young Queen Victoria reigning over them - are still working government offices, so mind your manners.

Behind Parliament Square, the old town jail got a new lease on life as the Nassau Public Library & Museum. This octagonal-shaped building no longer houses criminals, but instead, a rich Bahamian history collection and a few interesting local artifacts.

Across the street from Parliament Square is Rawson Square, with a lovely, small park area and a bust of the first Bahamian Governor-General, Sir Milo Butler.

A few blocks west is the imposing Government House (look for the statue of Christopher Columbus). This is another structure that's pretty in pink; the architecture has been described both "Roman classical" and "American Colonial." Whatever name you call it, the blending of Bahamian and British influences is evident. Plan your visit to coincide with the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every other Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

If you have a full day, also visit:

Heading west, everything is still ship-shape at the ship-shaped Fort Fincastle. Built in 1783 to protect against looters, no shots were ever fired here. Reach the fort by climbing the 65 limestone steps of the Queen's Staircase, built by slaves during the reign of Queen Victoria. Adjacent is the 126-foot-high Water Tower, which affords spectacular views of Nassau from the highest point on the island. Fork over the 50-cent admission price and take the elevator to the top.

The largest fort on New Providence Island, Fort Charlotte is perhaps also the most interesting, with underground passages, dungeons, a drawbridge and a (now dry) moat. The fort originally had 42 cannons (seven remain) but no shots were ever fired.

The cigars at Graycliff are renowned among connoisseurs; in fact, the new Graycliff Château Grand Cru (purple label) has already been ranked among the best. This isn't a surprise: Graycliff Cigar Company's Master Torcedore was once the personal roller for Castro himself. Free tours of the cigar factory are available by appointment.