This former Jesuit monastery built in 1749 represents Cayenne's heritage. From 1800, the building housed an assortment of government offices. The gallery of columns decorating the façade was added in 1925.
The unveiling of this fountain in 1867 marked the arrival of drinking water in Cayenne. The water harnessed from the Rorota lakes supplies the city through four fountains: the Dumez Fountain, the Merlet Fountain, the fountain which is still on the corner of boulevard Jubelin and avenue de Gaulle, and the Montravel fountain.
One of the few vestiges of Cayenne's 18th C fortifications, the old powder magazine occupies the center of the royal bastion. A few remains of the walls can still be seen.