Culture of Dominica Island. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The largest number of historical and architectural monuments is concentrated in the capital of Dominica, the city of Roseau. Founded at the times of colonization, Roseau is witness to the whole modern history of the island, associated with the European invaders, slavery and the struggle for independence. Though Dominica has been inhabited long enough, most of the objects of the Museum of History are associated with the period of struggle between England and France in the Caribbean. This small patch of land has, among many others, become their arena. The variety of exhibits will allow learning a lot about how the modern culture of Dominica was formed. A small number of surviving Aboriginal artifacts are also represented here.

The Catholic Cathedral is a living witness to the dominion of the French on Dominica. Constructed almost three centuries ago, it still impresses with the beauty of the decoration and the elegance of the forms. Interestingly, the cult building was entirely constructed from the stone, brought from neighboring islands. The British, who owned Dominica after the French, did not destroy the cathedral but built their own, now known as the Anglican Church of Roseau. The small size, laconicism, and simplicity show very vividly the difference between Catholic and Protestant architecture.

Another important part of the heritage of European colonists is the Roseau botanical garden. Opened in the late 19th century, it still boasts a large collection of local flora. The garden is divided into two parts, and only one of them is opened to the public. In the other one, they grow trees for economic purposes. Also, there are quite rare species of parrots - Jaco and Sisserou. Despite the fact that in the 20th century the natural disasters caused serious damage to the garden several times, it is still a must for all nature admirers. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Carnegie Science Library is one of the largest buildings in the entire Caribbean. The works of famous world scientists are collected in the building, outwardly resembling a regular cube. Part of the books was given by the US, part – by a variety of international funds. Today the library is open to any foreigner, who wants to expand his horizons.

If you are interested in military engineering, then take a look at the Cabrits National Park. Fort Shirley, one of the central locations for the deployment of British soldiers in Dominica, is located on its territory. It was named in honor of the island's governor, Thomas Shirley, under whose leadership the building was constructed in the 18th century, during the war with France. To date, the fort is partially destroyed but is still of great interest for both historians and travelers. By the way, the view from the fort on the coast is just gorgeous.

The "Territory of the Caribbean", the only remaining aboriginals’ territory on the islands of the Caribbean, is the real gem of Dominica. The Cabrits, as they call themselves, still, like hundreds of years ago, catch fish here, weave baskets, hollow out canoes, carve statues, prepare their national dishes and celebrate religious and social holidays. Anyone can enter their territory. You can visit one, several or all the villages in this area, talk with the locals and observe their life. If you want, you can watch a theatrical performance about the history of Dominica in Kalinago Barana Aute or buy some of the products of the local craftsmen.