ST. JOHN’S

  • W coast, Antigua.

  • 24,500.

  • Government Complex, Queen Elizabeth Highway, Tel: 268 462 0480 .

  • Fri–Sat.

  • Carnival (early Aug).

  • www.antigua-barbuda.org

This bustling, historic port city is the governmental and commercial hub of Antigua. At the center is the cruise ship dock at Heritage Quay, lined with upscale duty-free shops and restaurants. Next to this area is the Vendors Mart where visitors can purchase local souvenirs, and Redcliffe Quay, a more quaint shopping and dining area. Other points of interest include the twin-steepled St. John’s Anglican Cathedral . A wooden church was first built here in 1681 but after a series of earthquakes, the present cathedral was built in 1847. Church services are held on Sunday mornings and evenings. Also worth seeing is the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda , and the Public Market Complex on Market Street, where local farmers sell their produce. Parking is difficult to find, so it is recommended that visitors use taxis or buses to come in for a day of shopping or touring.

ENVIRONS

On the eastern outskirts of St. John’s is the legendary Antigua Recreation Ground , which has seen many cricket matches and records since it opened in 1978. A new stadium was built farther east for the 2007 World Cup, and named after local hero Sir Vivian Richards, a former West Indies cricket team captain.

At the far end of Fort Bay is Fort James , built in the early 1700s. It was the primary fortification to protect the harbor of St. John’s. Among the artillery were ten cannons that formed part of the ramparts. When most of the other forts on the island were disassembled, these cannons were left intact. Adjacent to the fort is Russell’s, a full-service restaurant installed in a historic building.


ST. JOHN’S ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL

 



  • Newgate Street.
  • Tel: 268 462 0820.

  • vary.



Twin towers of St. John’s Anglican Cathedral



MUSEUM OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

 



  • Long Street.
  • Tel: 268 462 1469.

  • 8:30am–4pm Mon–Thu, 8:30am–3pm Fri, & 10am–2pm Sat.

  • www.antiguamuseums.org