Kingston
The Capital of Jamaica
Kingston is the capital of Jamaica and is known locally as ‘Mo Bay’ and has its own airport – the Norman Manley International Airport. Kingston is the cultural and commercial centre of the Island but in addition, it has some excellent attractions to visit, it is the largest English-speaking City in the Caribbean and has the seventh largest natural harbour in the world. It was established as the capital in 1692 after an earthquake destroyed the capital Port Royal. In 1907, extensive reconstruction was required after an earthquake and fire that claimed the lives of nearly 1,500 people.
Nowadays, it is a modern, active, expansive city and the seat of the Government. The town was built on the waterfront but has steadily stretched inland over the Liguanea Plains, with new business and shopping districts. New Kingston is the commercial centre of the capital. The downtown area houses many banking, commercial and government institutions. There are plenty of tourist facilities available, from accommodation to restaurants, gift shops and galleries.
Reggae fans and Rastafarians congregate in Kingston during the first week of February each year to enjoy a feast of events lined up to remember the life and music of the legendary Bob Marley, which is organised by the Bob Marley Foundation and Bob Marley Museum.
As well as a concert, other events include: symposiums, lectures, karaoke contests, a fashion show, exhibition and a variety of other events associated to Marley.
The Bob Marley Museum is located at 56 Hope Road on the corner with Marley Road. It opened in 1986 and was formerly Bob Marley's home and the site of the Tuff Gong recording studio where he recorded many of his songs. There is a collection of Marley memorabilia that depicts his life and career and a fantastic mural 'The Journey of Bob Marley Superstar', painted by Everald Brown. Be aware that no photography is permitted at the museum.
The Coin and Notes Museum is located in the Bank of Jamaica building on Duke Street. There is an exhibition on the history of Jamaican tokens, coins, and paper money.
The National Art Gallery is located in the Roy West building, between Orange Street and King Street. It showcases exhibits about Jamaica's art history and features many of the Island's most talented artists. There is an incredible bronze statue of Bob Marley on the ground floor. Whilst upstairs, there are works by discerning artists such as John Dunkley, David Miller and Sidney McLaren and more. There are also Modern pieces by Tina Matkovic, Colin Garland and Mallico Reynolds, known as Kapo and is considered as one of Jamaica's modern artistic geniuses. The annual exhibition is held from December to January, and features the Island's best artists.
Devon House is located at 26 Hope Road and was constructed in 1881 by George Steibel (Jamaica’s first Black millionaire). The house was registered a National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust in 1990. It is a magnificently restored mansion, adorned with attractive décor and antique furniture. The property is set in 11 acres of land with verdant extensive lawns providing a relaxing ambience. A large shaded Verandah lines the length of the ground floor, and the balconies on the first floor provide grand views over the gardens and surrounding countryside. The African Museum is located in the complex, exhibiting artefacts from Jamaica's African Heritage. There are shops that sell Jamaican craft products and restaurants that serve authentic Jamaican food.
Port Royal was the centre of shipping commerce in Jamaica during the 17th century and formerly the Pirate capital. It is located at the western end of the Palisadoes sand spit that protects Kingston Harbour. It gained notoriety as both the ‘richest and wickedest city in the world’. After the devastating earthquake in 1692, two thirds of the city submerged into the Caribbean Sea. A great deal of excavation work has been done over the years to recover artefacts from this rich, but impious town.
Visitors to Kingston can take a half hour ride on a ferry to Port Royal and catch a sight of the Colonial history of Jamaica. Originally an island, the fishing village is now linked to the mainland by the Palisadoes, a sequence of small cays that have, in the fullness of time, created a roadway. Although Port Royal can be reached by car, many visitors decide to take the ferry instead – purely for the picturesque views.
Port Henderson is connected by a causeway that stretches from Kingston waterfront across Hunts Bay to Portmore. When Spanish Town was the Island capital, Port Henderson was the main harbour and protected by Fort Clarence and Fort Augusta, it was a stylish 19th Century spa resort. In 1951, the Town was badly damaged by a hurricane and nowadays it is a little coastal community opposite Port Royal.
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