Culture of Long Bay. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Long Bay is quite a small resort that cannot boast a great variety of preserved historical monuments. Nevertheless, they can be found in the immediate vicinity, so absolutely everyone can organize an interesting excursion program for themselves. In the eastern part of the island, the old Shirley Heights Fort dating back to the 18th century has been preserved. Over the centuries, the fortress has experienced many serious battles. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to the military past of Antigua. Among its exhibits are models of ancient weapons and military uniforms, several well-preserved historic cannons, and an interesting collection of warship models. For local residents, the ancient fort has become the most important cultural center where they often hold historical holidays and beautiful dance performances.

Another outstanding 18th-century monument is the English Harbor located in the south of the island. Now, these places are located within a vast national reserve where several more historic buildings have also been preserved. Walking around the harbor, one can see 200 years old structures made of stone. Some elements of decoration have partially survived here. One of the most valuable buildings is the 18th-century Leeward Islands Station.

Just outside the capital, you can explore the ancient James Fort, the construction of which was completed in 1675. Over the past years, it has been used to protect the island from pirates. Despite its impressive age, the building managed to preserve many original elements. The latest major reconstruction of the fort took place in 1739, now its visitors can see more than 30 cannons that were once used to protect the coastal territory. A powder warehouse, as well as several barracks and other outbuildings, have been preserved in the fort. Near the fort is a beautiful beach, which is one of the most popular on the island. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Among cultural centers located near the resort, the Nelson's Dockyard Museum stands out. It occupies an 1855 building and houses a very interesting collection of archaeological and historical exhibits. Here you can see artifacts that were discovered by researchers directly on the island. Some archaeological areas are also available for tours today. The museum is also remarkable for its location in a very beautiful natural area. Numerous hiking trails begin nearby.

A very interesting area from a historical point of view is Betty'S Hope where one of the island's oldest sugar plantations is located. It was founded in the middle of the 17th century and now the plantation itself and old buildings around it lie in ruins. Even though the once-prosperous area has long fallen into disrepair, tourists still like to visit these places. Here they can see several preserved buildings and beautiful mills, as well as admire the picturesque panorama of the surroundings. For several years, reconstruction has been underway in the historical area. It was possible to restore several windmills and old crushing equipment. The old cotton factory building now houses a small museum that keeps a thematic collection of exhibits on the history of the sugar plantation and the island's colonial development.

The island has preserved many religious monuments, a large part of which was also built in the colonial era. Cathedral de Santiago striking with its unique architectural style is considered one of the most beautiful. Beautiful arches were designed to decorate its facade that features picturesque sculptures and stucco elements. It is especially nice to admire the cathedral after dark when it is spectacularly illuminated.

The ancient Catedral de San Jose has survived to this day only partially. Today, a significant part of it lies in ruins. Nevertheless, it remains a popular tourist attraction. Even seeing fragments of the building alone, it possible to fully appreciate its former grandeur. Today, local authorities are deciding on the reconstruction of the religious monument, but the construction work has not begun so far. Officially, the building is recognized as safe, so tourists are allowed to enter its territory. As you see, many beautiful historical monuments have been preserved on the island of Antigua, and it won't be a problem for guests of Long Bay to reach them all.