Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
After visiting the museum, return to Government House. Next to the building is:
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Frederik Church Parsonage
This building dates from 1725. It's one of the oldest houses on the island, and
the only structure in the Government Hill district to retain its simple 18th-
century lines.
Continue west along Kongens Gade until you reach:
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Hotel 1829
Formerly known as the Lavalette House, this place was designed in 1829 by one
of the leading merchants of Charlotte Amalie. This is a landmark building and
a charming hotel that has attracted many of the island's most famous visitors.
This is also a great place to take a break. Hotel 1829 provides the perfect
veranda, with a spectacular view, for a midday drink or a sundowner. You may
just fall in love with the place, abandon this tour, and stick around for dinner.
The bar is open Monday to Saturday 4 to 11pm. For more information on the
hotel, see p. 62.
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Next door (still on the same side of the street), observe the:
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Yellow-Brick Building
This structure was built in 1854 in what local architects called “the style of
Copenhagen.” You can go inside and browse the many shops within.
At this point, you might want to double back slightly on Kongens Gade to climb the
famous:
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99 Steps
These steps (actually 103 in total) were erected in the early 1700s, and take you
to the summit of Government Hill, from where you'll see the 18th-century:
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Crown House
This stately private house is immediately to your right, on the south side of the
street. This was the home of von Scholten, the Danish ruler who issued the
famous proclamation of emancipation in 1848 (see Emancipation Park, above).
Walk back down the steps and continue right (west) along Kongens Gade, then down
a pair of old brick steps until you reach Garden Street. Go right (north) on Garden
Street and take a left onto Crystal Gade. On your left, at the corner of Nye Gade and
Crystal Gade, you'll see:
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St. Thomas Reformed Church
This building is from 1844. Much of its original structure, designed like a Greek
temple, has been preserved intact.
Continue up Crystal Gade. On your right (north side), you'll come to:
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St. Thomas Synagogue
This is the oldest synagogue in continuous use under the American flag, and the
second oldest in the Western Hemisphere. It was erected in 1833 by Sephardic
Jews, and it still maintains the tradition of having sand on the floor, commemo-
rating the exodus from Egypt. The structure was built of local stone, ballast
brick from Denmark, and mortar made of molasses and sand. It's open to visitors
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