Good to know
Good to Know
- Although the market is open every day except Sunday, you should time your visit for a busy Friday or Saturday morning when more tourists are around and the market comes to life with plenty of vendors.
- Much of the original colonial architecture of Castries was destroyed by two devastating fires, and the town is generally hot, crowded and dirty. However, the downtown area remains compact and walkable.
- St. Lucia uses the East Caribbean dollar, but many shops or restaurants will accept U.S. dollars.
- Exploring with a guide is a good way to learn more about the French and British history of the beautiful island. The local architecture, cuisine, and language all show influences from these two colonial powers.
Must See Sites
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Castries Cathedral)
- Admission
- Free (open to visitors)
- Distance From Center
- City center
- Description
- Often called Castries Cathedral, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception sits on Derek Walcott Square in the heart of Castries. It's a major landmark in the town center, dating to 1897, and is the largest church in the Caribbean. One of the largest churches in the Caribbean, this early 20th-century cathedral features colorful murals and wooden architecture that reflect Saint Lucia's religious and cultural heritage.
Derek Walcott Square
- Admission
- Free
- Distance From Center
- City center
- Description
- Named after Saint Lucia's Nobel Prize-winning poet, this peaceful square sits at the heart of Castries. Surrounded by historic buildings and shaded by a large samaan tree, it's a great place to pause and soak in the city's colonial charm. You'll find a gold-painted bust of Walcott standing in the square, alongside another of Sir Arthur Lewis. Lewis won the Nobel Prize in 1979 for his work in Economic Sciences. Another feature of the square is a wide-spreading 400-year-old saman tree.
Morne Fortune (Fort Charlotte)
- Distance From Center
- ~2 km south of city center
- Description
- Overlooking Castries Harbor, Morne Fortune offers sweeping panoramic views of the city and coastline. Once a strategic military site, it is home to historic Fort Charlotte and remnants of colonial fortifications. It's an 18th-century fort located on a hilltop overlooking the city. It is now a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of Castries and the surrounding area.
Castries Market
- Admission
- Free
- Distance From Center
- City center
- Description
- Established in 1891, Castries Market is one of the most colorful and authentic places on the island. Browse fresh produce, tropical fruits, spices, handmade crafts, local sauces, and Creole treats. Saturdays are the liveliest days, when farmers and artisans gather from across Saint Lucia.
Saint Lucia National Museum
- Distance From Center
- City center
- Description
- Located in a former colonial building, the National Museum offers insight into the island's history, from Indigenous roots to French and British influences and modern independence.
Pigeon Island National Park
- Admission
- EC$2.70
Children ages 5-12
- Admission Adult
- EC$19
Adults
- Distance From Center
- ~15 km north (day trip)
- Description
- Both the French and the British used it as a fort and lookout point during their battles for control of the island. Now joined to the mainland by a causeway, visiting Pigeon Island is one of the best things to do in St. Lucia thanks to its two beaches and hiking trails. You can still see the ruins of Fort Rodney, built by the British in the 18th century. Open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Admission $1 USD for children 5 to 12 and $7 USD for adults.
Inniskilling Monument
- Admission
- Free
- Distance From Center
- ~2 km south (Morne Fortune area)
- Description
- On the college grounds, you will find the Inniskilling monument, which marks the bloodiest battle ever fought in St Lucia, when Captain Moore repelled the French revolutionary forces.
Museums And Galleries
Saint Lucia National Museum
- Type
- History/Culture Museum
- Location
- City center
- Description
- Located in a former colonial building, the National Museum offers insight into the island's history, from Indigenous roots to French and British influences and modern independence.
Pigeon Island Museum and Interpretive Centre
- Type
- Military/Ecology Museum
- Location
- Pigeon Island National Park (~15 km north)
- Admission
- Included with Pigeon Island National Park admission
- Description
- A small museum will tell you more about the island's history and ecology.
Nearby Historical Sites
La Toc Battery
- Distance From Center
- ~2-3 km
- Description
- Historic 19th-century British fort with underground rooms, artillery displays, and panoramic harbor views. Accessible via organized tours from the cruise port.
History Overview
The sheltered harbor of Castries made it a natural home for Arawak, and later, Carib people, before the French arrived in 1650. The city was founded in 1650 when it was purchased by a group of Frenchmen from the French West India Company. At the time it was named Carénage, which translates to housing or enclosure in reference to the city's deep water port for anchored ships. During the colonial era, St. Lucia changed between French and British control many times. After the fall of Napoleon in 1814, this Eastern Caribbean island finally fell to Britain. Castries has had a history of destructive fires. In 1796, a fire razed the city and destroyed all official documents and records. A fire in 1927 burned through seventeen blocks of the city.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this history, museums & sightseeing research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Castries
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.