Bridgetown Attractions

Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises offers day trips and sunset excursions or private charter. Visitors can snorkel (gear provided) sunbath, or go for a walk along a beach. Day cruises include a lunch and sunset cruises include dinner.

This statue of a slave with broken chains stands in a roundabout on the ABC highway. It commemorates Bussa who inspired the revolt against slavery which was abolished in 1834. Abolition was not the total end however since these "freed slaves" were then forced into a four-year apprentice program where they worked 45-hour weeks without pay in exchange for the rent of a tiny hut.

The monument is by Barbadian sculpture Karl Broodhagen.

Active in the early morning, workers clean and sell a variety of fish including flying fish. On the waterfront walk which leads from the cruise ship port to downtown, it warrants a stop, though workers are shy about having their photos taken.

Independence Arch which sits at the southern end of Chamberlain Bridge in Bridgetown was built in 1987 to commemorate 21 years of independence gained November 30, 1966. Reliefs of the flying fish and pelican, two symbols of Barbados, adorn the two pillars. Overhead the coat of arms repeats these animals plus the national flower (Pride of Barbados) and national tree (Bearded Fig) from which the island got its name. The motto is Pride and Industry.

The current Anglican Cathedral building was constructed in stone in 1789 as a replacement for the one destroyed by the hurricane of 1780. The firs wooden structure was built between 1660 and 1665. The church became the cathedral with the 1825 arrival of a bishop.

The architecture is the standard English style, with round arches inset with pointed windows to provide a Gothic look. One interesting feature is the roof over the altar which is like an inverted boat prow.