Saint Michael: Cultural History and Attractions in Bridgetown

Bridgetown shapes the cultural character of Saint Michael through its long urban history and wide range of historical themes. Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison includes a well-preserved historic town centre that developed during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. On Barbados, Bridgetown and its Garrison are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Historic Bridgetown is also considered an outstanding example of British colonial architecture on Barbados. This long history of development provides a context for the different perspectives on the city, society and nature found in the exhibitions.

Exhibitions and Urban History

The Barbados Museum & Historical Society brings together history and nature in its exhibition themes. Its galleries are housed in buildings of a 19th-century military prison within Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison. The Jubilee Gallery traces the prehistoric and historical development of Barbados through the 1940s in the exhibition “In search of Bim.” The Harewood Gallery focuses on other subjects: exhibitions and dioramas illustrate the ecology of the coral reef and its marine life, as well as the development of mangrove swamps and seagrass beds.

The Barbados Museum & Historical Society also offers a two-hour walking tour of Bridgetown. It introduces historic sites and architecture of cultural and historical significance, and takes place during opening hours between 9 am and 3 pm. The tour must be booked in advance; check the latest arrangements before your trip.

In the west wing of the Barbados Parliament Buildings, an interactive exhibition uses audiovisual displays and text panels to trace the development of democracy in Barbados. The exhibition combines images and text to explore a political theme. If you are planning a visit, check the latest visitor arrangements in advance.

St Mary’s Anglican Church also represents a distinct chapter in Bridgetown’s history: it stands on the city’s first consecrated site. The present church was consecrated in 1827.

Cricket, Memorials and Local Names

Kensington Oval is a cricket stadium founded in 1882; tours of the stadium are available. Confirm their current availability directly with the venue before making firm plans. In Bridgetown, both the long history of the cricket stadium and tours of historic sites and architecture are options to consider.

On the outskirts of Bridgetown, the Emancipation Statue, also known as the Bussa Statue, commemorates the end of slavery. Rihanna Drive is another historically significant name: the street where Rihanna grew up was renamed Rihanna Drive in 2017.

Market Life in Cheapside

Temple Yard is an open-air food and craft market in Cheapside, Bridgetown, and is known as a local Rastafari street market. Ital-style vegetarian dishes are available there daily. The specific selection of vendors and goods may vary; check locally if you are expecting a particular offering on the day.

Discover More Destinations

Haggatt Hall, Saint Philip, Saint Joseph, Christ Church, Saint George, Saint John, St Peter, Saint Thomas

For the main travel overview: Barbados.