Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
St Thomas Synagogue
HISTORICAL BUILDING
(
www.stthomassynagogue.com
;
16A & B Crystal Gade; 10am-4pm Mon-Thu, to
3pm Fri)
The second-oldest Hebrew temple in the western hemisphere (the oldest is on
the island of Curaçao), peaceful St Thomas Synagogue is a National Historic Landmark.
Its real name is Synagogue of Beracha V'Shalom V'Gimilath Chasidim, aka Synagogue of
Blessing and Peace and Acts of Piety. The current building dates from 1833, but Jews have
worshipped here since 1796, from Sephardic Jews from Denmark to today's 110-family
Reform congregation. The temple floor is made of sand to symbolize the flight of the Is-
raelites out of Egypt and across the desert. There's a tiny museum in the back room offering
historical and cultural tidbits, such as a display on Jewish governors in the USVI (lookin'
at you, Morris de Castro). A gift shop sells mezuzahs and tchotchkes.
Camille Pissarro Gallery
GALLERY
(14MainSt)
Here in 1830, Jacob Pizarro was born as the son of Spanish Jews. As a young
adult, Jacob became a very accomplished painter, moved to Paris, changed his name to Ca-
mille Pissarro and emerged as one of the founders of the French Impressionist movement
in art. A display case at the building entrance summarizes the family's history. The gallery
sells a few reproductions of Pissarro's St Thomas scenes, but mostly focuses on works by
contemporary artists.
Market Square
MARKET
(Main St at Strand Gade)
The square and wrought-iron market shed a few blocks west
along Main St is the site of Charlotte Amalie's renowned slave market. Possibly as many as
200,000 captive Africans arrived at this market to be sold as slaves during the 17th and 18th
centuries. The actual auction block is difficult to find today because the square is usually
covered with locals hanging out. If you're up at the crack of dawn on Saturday, a
farmers
market(
www.growvi.org
;
4-7:30amSat)
takes over. The square is an intriguing place
and worth a visit, but be aware it's in a bit of a sketchy area.
