Saint Michael

Home to the island’s capital city and the centre of commerce, St Michael is perhaps the busiest parish in Barbados. Locals and visitors alike are constantly passing through, engaging in their business and shopping activities. With all that hustling and bustling, it is easy to get caught up in those activities and forget about some of the historical landmarks and other attractions scattered across the parish.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cricket lover, a Rihanna fan, or you just want to experience market life on the island, St Michael has something for you. Even if you’re visiting us on business, just remember – while you’re taking a trip through Bridgetown or along its outskirts, take a moment to pause and appreciate these and many more attractions along the way.

• Bridgetown - St Michael is best known for the capital city, Bridgetown. This scenic town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. From the functional Swing Bridge, Independence Arch and arrangement of buildings, a casual stroll down the streets will be pleasing to the heritage enthusiast. Varying architectural styles can be seen along the main Broad Street and also on the neighbouring Swan Street and Tudor Street. For example, many of the buildings have been well-preserved and are fine examples of British architecture from the 17th to 19th centuries. These three centuries of colonial rule have also endowed the city with a diverse, and sometimes dark, history. If you’d like to hear more about this aspect of Bridgetown, a guided walking tour of the city can be arranged with some of the island’s finest historians, providing a new perspective on the significance of many of the buildings and open spaces.

• Barbados Parliament Buildings - Perhaps one of the most outstanding constructions in the city is the compound which houses the Barbados Parliament. Founded in 1639, the Barbados Parliament is the 3rd oldest in the Commonwealth and its history is archived in the Museum of Parliament. Located in the West Wing of the Parliament buildings, this interactive exhibit incorporates audio-visual displays along with traditional panels, all of which track the development of democracy in Barbados. The West Wing of Parliament also houses the National Heroes Gallery which highlights the contributions of the island’s 10 national heroes. The exhibits in this gallery highlight the heroes’ work and lives, as interpreted by contemporary Barbadian and Caribbean artists. It is truly a breath-taking marriage of historical content and modern art.

• The Nidhe Israel Synagogue - Another historical site in Bridgetown is about 5-minutes walking distance from the Parliament Buildings. Established in 1654, the Nidhe Israel Synagogue was developed by the early Jewish settlers on the island. The building was renovated in 1986, with every effort made to maintain the authenticity of its original, iconic design, especially as it is the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. In the graveyard, you can step carefully between the epitaphs just outside the synagogue, to find stones dating back as far as 1658. 

In 2008, an archaeological dig unearthed a Mikvah (ritual bath) from the 17thcentury. On your visit to the Synagogue, be sure to descend these historical steps to emerge in the Mikvah’s historic world. You can also walk through the on-site museum where several other artefacts are on display.

• St Mary’s Anglican Church - There is also a stately, historic place of worship located on the other side of Bridgetown. St Mary’s Anglican Church stands on the first consecrated site in Bridgetown, with the current church itself being consecrated in 1827. Before this, the property was used as a burial ground for Black residents of the city and, like the synagogue, visitors are welcomed to take a stroll through the graveyard and read the memorials. Among them, you will find the resting place of one of the island’s national heroes, Samuel Jackman Prescod, who was the first Black man to sit in the island’s Parliament. 

There is also an impressive silk cotton tree standing in the churchyard. While providing shade for visitors, this beautiful tree has an unfortunate history, having been used for public hangings during the colonial period.

• Cheapside Market - If you want a break from the intense history of Bridgetown, just a stone’s throw away from St Mary’s Church, you will find the ever-popular Cheapside Market. For a true taste of Bajan market culture, a visit to Cheapside early on a Saturday morning is an absolute must! It is the largest market on the island, where you can find an array of fresh fruits, ground provisions, vegetables, fish and meats for sale. You may also find some vendors who are selling crafts, plants, clothing and various household items. Spread across a two-storey building with stalls spilling onto the roadside, you are guaranteed to meet with vendors and artisans who are eager to ply their trade and sometimes even negotiate on the already reasonable prices. On a not-so-busy day, you can even engage the vendors in conversation and hear stories about the “ol’ time way of life” in a Barbados of yesteryear.

• The Emancipation “Bussa” Statue - You can also take in some of the attractions on the outskirts of Bridgetown. If you would dare to dash across a busy highway during the day to get onto a roundabout, you may want to stop a moment to visit the Emancipation Statue. This imposing bronze figure was created by one of the island’s most notable sculptors, Karl Broodhagen. The Bussa statue, as it is commonly known among Bajans, was erected in commemoration of the end of slavery. Bussa is a national hero who was integral in a major slave revolt in 1816. Many visitors take the trip over to the roundabout to take photos with this freedom fighter. 

• Needham’s Point Lighthouse - On the more southern side of St Michael, standing tall by a serene beach, is the Needham’s Point Lighthouse. Built in the mid-1800s, it was the 2nd lighthouse on the island, and the only one to have a stationary beam. This structure was renovated by the Barbados Hilton Hotel which now owns the property. While the tower is no longer accessible to the public, a visit to the grounds of the lighthouse is one that you won’t regret, as you will be met with a fantastic beach that’s great for swimming,  and a tranquil spot to view some of the magnificent sunsets that the island has to offer.

Kensington Oval - Cricket fans know that their trip to Barbados is not complete without a tour of the world-renowned Kensington Oval. This cricket ground is the oldest on the island and has been significantly expanded and upgraded since its establishment in 1882. The latest renovation converted the oval to a state-of-the-art facility which was used to host matches during the 2007 Cricket World Cup. On arrival, you will be greeted by a statue of cricket legend and Barbadian national hero; His Excellency, The Right Honourable Sir Garfield Sobers. This venue is also a favourite for other sporting activities and events such as national calypso music competitions, conferences and large concerts. One of the most notable concerts which was hosted there was in 2011 when Barbadian superstar and Cultural Ambassador Rihanna held a homecoming event as a part of her world tour.

• Rihanna Drive - If you’re a Rihanna fan, you would be interested to know that her old stomping ground is not too far away from Kensington. In 2017, this singer and business mogul was honoured by her country when the street where she grew up was renamed Rihanna Drive. For true members of the Rihanna Navy, walking on this street is a pilgrimage in itself. Along that stretch of road, you cannot miss the house where Rihanna lived. Residents in the area will be happy to tell you about their memories of Rihanna’s childhood and, if you time your visit just right, you may be lucky to see the star since she returns to the neighbourhood every year.