Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fort Montagu
FORT
( Eastern Rd) There's not much to draw you to this diminutive fort, though the place is
intact and the cannon in situ. The oldest of Nassau's remaining strongholds, it was built
in 1741 to guard the eastern approach to Nassau Harbour. It never fired its cannon in an-
ger. The surrounding park is enjoyed by football-playing Bahamians and occasional market
stalls.
Blackbeard's Tower
HISTORIC BUILDING
( Eastern Rd) According to local lore, this semiderelict stone tower, a few miles east of Fort
Montagu, was built by Edward Teach - AKA the dreaded pirate Blackbeard. It's probably
just a myth, but hardcore pirate history buffs will be undeterred.
FOX HILL
This settlement for freed slaves began life in the 18th century as Creek Village. During the
1900s, Robert Sandilands, chief justice of the Bahamas, bought much of the area and dis-
tributed land grants to black people for $10 or the equivalent in labor. The recipients named
their settlement after their benefactor.
St Augustine's Monastery
MONASTERY
( 242-364-1331; admission by donation) Atop a rocky perch on Bernard Rd is this fort-
resslike working monastery. It was designed by Father Jerome, the itinerant architect-cleric
who blessed Cat and Long Islands with beautiful Gothic churches (see boxed text,
Click
here
). The imposing building dates from 1947 and is still used by Benedictine monks, who
give guided tours of the gardens that offer a fascinating glimpse of monastic life. A college
run by the monks is attached. Phone ahead to enquire about tour hours.
Freedom Park
PARK
At the juncture of Fox Hill Rd and Bernard Rd, this park is the center of town and the set-
ting each year for Emancipation Day celebrations in the first week of August.
WEST OF DOWNTOWN
Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center
GARDEN, ZOO
(
www.ardastra.com
;
Chippingham Rd; adult/child/under 4yr $15/7.50/free; 9am-5pm,
last admittance at 4:15pm; ) A hit with the kids, this sunny minizoo is home to nearly
300 species of animals from around the world. Crowd-pleasers include the Madagascar
