Bridgetown Barbados

Bridgetown Barbados is a picturesque community that still maintains it's charm from long ago when it was settled by the English. Bridgetown is the capital and commercial centre and has a population of about 80 000. Bridgetown was originally named "Indian Bridge" for the rude bridge which had been constructed over the river by the Indians. It was later called the "town of St. Michael" in official documents, before finally being named Bridgetown when a new bridge was built in place of the Indian Bridge, a little after 1654.

Bridgetown Barbados has a lot to offer besides charming scenery. There are also many opportunities for the tourist to shop for local products and learn about the domestic cultures. Broad Street is the main street of Bridgetown and consists mainly of banks, department stores and duty free shops. Other streets in Bridgetown such as Swan Street, Roebuck Street and Tudor Street consist mainly of smaller shops and businesses, together with many vendors.

There are many historical landmarks and other popular attractions in Bridgetown Barbados:

Parliament Building (Bridgetown Barbados)
Two coral stone buildings built in 1871 and 1874. Home to a 355 year old Westminster style democratic tradition.

Trafalgar Square (Bridgetown Barbados)
Must see landmark bordering on the edge of the old Harbor. Great statue of the famous British naval hero, Lord Horatio Nelson. Dolphin Fountain and War Memorial.

Careenage (Bridgetown Barbados)
Collection of old waterfront warehouses that have been converted into a trendy nightclub, restaurant and boutique area.

Gun Hill Signal Station (Bridgetown Barbados)
Replica of 1818 group of signal stations. Features big collection of military memorabilia.

Villa Nova (Bridgetown Barbados)
Sugar plantation

Francia Plantation (Bridgetown Barbados)
Sugar plantation built 1913. Today houses a great museum collection of old West Indian Maps.

Cruise ship Terminal (Bridgetown Barbados)
Recently built major complex to handle the half-million tourists that arrive annually to the island. Many gift and craft retailers and duty-free shops. Includes glassware, jewelry, china, crystal and perfumes.

St. Michaels Cathedral (Bridgetown Barbados)
Anglican church originally built in 1655, damaged by hurricanes in 1780 and 1831 and subsequently rebuilt.

The Synagogue (Bridgetown Barbados)
The oldest Jewish building in the Western Hemisphere, dating back to 1654. Daily tours Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM.

St. Ann's Garrison (Bridgetown Barbados)
British fortress and military prison dating back to 1694. Today it houses the Barbados Museum.