When you think of what the Caribbean has to offer you can't help but instantly imagine clean beaches, vibrant palm trees and sipping cocktails at the poolside of your 5* resort. But visitors planning a holiday to Antigua will be fascinated to discover the wealth of things to see. Nobody's suggesting that you don't relax in the beautiful surroundings of the island, but you'll definitely regret it if you don't venture out to encounter some of the island's cultural gems.
One of the most interesting buildings on the island is the Cathedral of St. John's. Originally built as a church in 1681, the building was deemed aesthetically unpleasing, too small and too shabby. In 1720 a brick church was built around it - over a century later it was deemed a cathedral. This building within a building is located on a volcano and happily adorns many holiday postcards.
Then there is the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. The old courthouse in St. John, which dates from 1747, was converted in 1985 to house this hands-on museum. Detailing the island's geological as well as political history the museum regularly holds special events for the general public. The range of exhibits is impressive for a museum of its size with original posters advertising slaves for sale, to the cricket bat of the famous West Indies cricketer Viv Richards.
As you'd expect from an island, there are some wonderful docks to be explored in Antigua, and none moreso than Nelson's Dockyard to the south of the island. At the world's last remaining Georgian dockyard you can explore the natural beauty of the area (it is part of a national park) and explore 10 restored buildings, which will give you a feel of life in the Royal Navy during the 18th and 19th centuries.
People love to escape on holiday to somewhere warm and sunny to laze in the sun and forget about the world. But to miss everything Antigua has to offer would be a crying shame. So pack a camera and explore the island - you'll see that its attractions stretch far beyond the picturesque beaches.
One of the most interesting buildings on the island is the Cathedral of St. John's. Originally built as a church in 1681, the building was deemed aesthetically unpleasing, too small and too shabby. In 1720 a brick church was built around it - over a century later it was deemed a cathedral. This building within a building is located on a volcano and happily adorns many holiday postcards.
Then there is the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. The old courthouse in St. John, which dates from 1747, was converted in 1985 to house this hands-on museum. Detailing the island's geological as well as political history the museum regularly holds special events for the general public. The range of exhibits is impressive for a museum of its size with original posters advertising slaves for sale, to the cricket bat of the famous West Indies cricketer Viv Richards.
As you'd expect from an island, there are some wonderful docks to be explored in Antigua, and none moreso than Nelson's Dockyard to the south of the island. At the world's last remaining Georgian dockyard you can explore the natural beauty of the area (it is part of a national park) and explore 10 restored buildings, which will give you a feel of life in the Royal Navy during the 18th and 19th centuries.
People love to escape on holiday to somewhere warm and sunny to laze in the sun and forget about the world. But to miss everything Antigua has to offer would be a crying shame. So pack a camera and explore the island - you'll see that its attractions stretch far beyond the picturesque beaches.
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