Cultural sightseeing in Bahamas. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Even though the hot climate of the Bahamas is perfect for leisure relaxation on the beach, do not limit yourself to this activity only. First of all, it is definitely worth visiting all the most interesting landmarks of the Bahamas. Moreover, the islands have much to offer: numerous museums, churches, historic sites, and old buildings. Sightseeing in the Bahamas is both exciting and educational, and leisure sunbathing on warm sand will be a wonderful reward for the acquaintance with the culture of the islands. For example, it is definitely worth visiting an old prison that is located on Green Turtle Cay Island. The prison is painted in unusual pink color. It doesn’t work anymore and has become a popular tourist destination. The gloomy history of the building dates back to the middle of the 19th century. In the 30s of the previous century, the second floor of the prison was destroyed by a tycoon. It was decided not to reconstruct the building.

Nassau is the location of the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. This gallery is open in a villa that dates back to the end of the 19th century. It is an excellent place to get acquainted with the works of modern Bahamian artists. Visitors can see numerous installations, paintings, sculptures, and photographs that uncover modern lifestyle and cast the light upon such important problems as environmental problems, national identity, and many others. The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas in the capital offers a large collection created by Hamilton White, famous British antiques collector. The exhibition features artifacts starting from the pirate times and up to the beginning of the 20th century. Documents, clothing, weapons, tools of different epochs, the history of the slavery trade, and the road to freedom – numerous artifacts available in the museum tell visitors the history of the islands. The museum’s shop sells tea and chocolate.

In Hope Town on Elbow Cay, tourists can visit Wyannie Malone Historical Museum where it is so interesting to learn the history of the islands from the artifacts exhibited. The majority of items were gifted to the museum by locals yet in the 70s of the previous century when an idea of opening this museum appeared. Clothes, photographs, furniture, and other items are stored in this museum as a memory of ancestors of modern Hope Town’s residents. New generations of Bahamians visit this museum to learn more about their own culture and history. In Alice Town, tourists can visit Dolphin House – a residential house-museum that has emerged from a hobby of a local person who was fond of the gorgeous marine animals. The building is made of shells, stones, and sea glass. The house is decorated with the images of dolphins, and there are guest rooms and interesting artifacts. The architect himself lives in this house. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Christians and everyone who likes religious landmarks will find it exciting to visit Calvary Temple in Freeport. Local priests and worshippers think that Christians need to gather more frequently to praise God and pray together. Preaches, masses, prayers – all these should be a holiday and should bring peace to the hearts of people. Religious meetings at Calvary Temple are these precious moments when people feel united and connected to the divine. In Nassau, there is the Evangelical Church that is equipped with large screens. The divine service is often streamed to the Internet, and people can watch recordings of masses later. A large hall with comfortable seats will certainly make you want to stay longer in this church.

At a glance, Balcony House in Nassau looks like an old and good looking wooden house painted in red that has a long balcony on the second floor. However, the building dates back to the 18th century, and it is believed that the Balcony House is the oldest standing residence in the city. Initially, it was a residential building, but it was transformed into a museum at the beginning of the 90s of the previous century. Inside, visitors will find carefully preserved two-centuries-old décor and many interesting artifacts. Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation is not dedicated to the well-known and sad history of the city of Pompeii. This museum in the capital city was named after a rebellious slave, whose name was Pompey. His fearlessness inspired other slaves to fight for their freedom. Originally constructed in the middle of the 18th century, the gorgeous building became a museum in 1992. Nowadays, it exhibits many important documents about the fight of slaves for their freedom.

Fort Charlotte is conveniently located on a hill in Nassau Haven. Finished at the end of the 18th century, the fort has cannons and is surrounded by a ditch that is now dry. In the past, the fort protected the haven, but it was never used in battles. Guests of Nassau can make an excursion to the fort, walk in its underground tunnels, and admire the fabulous view of the haven. Fort Charlotte is not the only landmark of this type in Nassau. It would be a mistake not to mention Fort Fincastle that currently lies in ruins. Just like Fort Charlotte, this fort was never used in battles. It was built at the end of the 18th century and is famous for its Queen Staircase and Water Tower. A walk in the ruins brings visitors centuries back to the dangerous times when a battle from the ocean could start every moment.

Pigeon Creek is a famous archaeological site that is located in San Salvador. It is a gorgeous bay that is of great archaeological value. Pigeon Creek has fragments of settlements of indigenous people who lived in the Bahamas centuries ago. These people had a village in Pigeon Creek. Later, another settlement appeared here. Nowadays, there are only abandoned houses in this region. Pigeon Creek is available for free 24 hours a day whole year round. It never ceases to attract visitors as a historic site and as a gorgeous bay with amazingly beautiful white sand and emerald water.