Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Introducing Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

Imposing Brimstone Hill Fortress (465-2609; foreign visitors adult/child US$8/4; 9:30am-5:30pm) is the historical highlight of any visit to St Kitts and has been recognized by Unesco. Far larger than you’d think, this vast old military stronghold offers a personal glimpse into the violent and tumultuous past of the former Caribbean colonies.

The rambling 18th-century compound, which in its day was nicknamed the ‘Gibraltar of the West Indies, ’ is one of the largest forts in the Caribbean. As a major British garrison, Brimstone Hill played a key role in battles with the French, who seized the fort in 1782 after the 1000 British soldiers inside were besieged for 30 days by 8000 French troops. The British regained it through the Treaty of Paris the following year and by the 1850s the fort was abandoned.

After a fire swept through Basseterre in 1867, some of the fort structures were partially dismantled and the stones used to rebuild the capital. In the 1960s major restoration was undertaken, and much of the fortress has been returned to its earlier grandeur. Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the fort as a national park during her visit to St Kitts in October 1985. There is an excellent small museum as well as good displays scattered throughout the complex. The US$5 audioguide is worthwhile.

The main hilltop compound, the Citadel, is lined with 24 cannons and provides excellent views of Sint Eustatius and Sandy Point Town. Inside the Citadel’s old barrack rooms are displays on colonial history that do a fine job of documenting life back in the day. In one hilarious cartoon, an enlisted man offers commentary on an officer who’s just had a poop.

Also worthwhile is the short stroll above the cookhouse to the top of Monkey Hill, which provides excellent coastal views. A small theater next to the gift shop plays a brief video on the fort’s history; a nearby canteen sells drinks and sandwiches.

Brimstone Hill, upon which the fortress stands, is an 800ft volcanic cone named for the odoriferous sulfur vents you will undoubtedly detect as you drive past the hill along the coastal road.

There’s a good little café near the parking area. Winsome cats will appreciate any donation.

There is a 2-mile steep and winding uphill drive to the fort from the main coast road. Parking is near most of the important sights. If you want to use public transportation, minibuses from Basseterre to Sandy Point Town can drop you off where the access road meets the coast road. From there it’s an energetic walk up to the fort.

Last updated: Oct 20, 2009