Culture of Saint Martin. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Travelers who have enough of time are sure to visit all regions and cities of the island. There are amazing objects in each of them. Marigot is the French capital of the island and the bustling tourist center; it features an abundance of shops and entertainment venues. The most important historical landmark of the capital is a beautiful fort of St. Louis. It has partially survived till these days.

It is worth to stroll along the Republic Street, which is lined with beautiful buildings built in the Creole style. Dutch island's capital is the city of Philipsburg. The courthouse has remained its main attraction for many years. It was built in 1793; it is still standing in its original form. Given that the primary building material was wood, this fact is even more surprising.

Next to the courthouse is the Historical Museum, which introduces outstanding events in the island’s life and the culture of Aboriginal people. The museum exhibition is vast and varied; it may take several hours to get acknowledged with its exhibits. Several defensive structures have also survived in the Dutch capital. The Fort Amsterdam is an interesting object. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The ancient Fort Willem was completely destroyed; today there is a television tower on the site of its ruins. The island is famous for its outstanding natural attractions. Fans of eco-tourism will be interested in climbing to the highest point of St. Maartin - Paradise Peak mountain. Its height is 426 meters. The mountain offers a fabulously beautiful panoramic view of the island.

At the foot of the hill there is the picturesque fishing town Grand Case famous for unique national features and an abundance of restaurants. One of the most beautiful places on the island is the Butterfly Farm - a true paradise with lots of diverse tropical plants. Interesting tours are conducted for visitors; guides tell a lot of amazing facts about these beautiful insects. One of the main representatives of the local fauna is parrot; you can appreciate diversity of birds during a tour to the parrot farm. Its territory is home to about 80 species of birds, many of whom are talking ones.

The most important monument of the whole island is situated not far from the farm (Parrot Ville Bird Park) – the Border Monument sculpture in honor of the separation from the island. Perhaps this is the only place in the Caribbean islands where the border can be crossed more than a dozen times a day – however, it should be noted, that the monument is almost the only difference between parts of the island. That aside, for those who wish to make great photos, the place fits perfectly. Among other sculptures that tourists will consider interesting to visit in Sint Maarten, it is worth mentioning the Brown Pelicans monument located in Simpson Bay.

Concordia Hill (Mont des Accords) – the summit on the border of the Dutch and French parts of the island – will be another must-see spot when visiting the sights of Sint Maarten. The mountain has remarkably fantastic views that will amaze even the most sophisticated tourist. The most important attractions of the island (any part of it) are the incredibly picturesque beaches and bays of Sint Maarten. They have long been the hallmark of the island and attract hundreds of tourists to visit the “little paradise”.

You will also come across several beautiful religious sites on the island. The first one that deserves to be highlighted is Sint Maarten van Tours Katholiek Kerk, which has a strikingly spacious interior. Those who attend church always get positive emotions from visiting such places. Sint Maarten van Tours Katholiek Kerk is the main church of the island, built in a typical Dutch style. It is located in the capital of the Dutch part of Sint Maarten. Simpson Bay houses the Mary Star of the Sea Church, which is equally conducive when it comes to being charged with positive. All this is thanks to the impressive interior and excellent location of the religious facility right on the seashore.

While in Philipsburg, you should definitely take a walk along Voorstraat Street, which is considered to be the main street of the city. It features shops, art galleries, restaurants, and a casino. The Cyrus Wathey Square framed by majestic palm trees is also a perfect destination for a walk. Its spaciousness is quite impressive. In the capital of the Dutch part of the island, you can also find an excellent exhibition that will appeal to all fans of “Star Wars”. This is about the museum Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit. Here in Philipsburg, there is a cultural center too, owing to which tourists can learn more about the history of the island. We are referring to the Sint Maarten Museum.