Antigua

St John's, Antigua — from Celebrity Today

There’s a grace and elegance to the capital of Antigua that immediately makes visitors feel at home. Perhaps that’s because this city of 31,000 brings such a well rounded menu of things to see and do. Pulling into port, it’s hard to miss the welcoming spires of St John’s Cathedral, twice destroyed by earthquakes (in 1683 and 1745) but since then a rebuilt masterpiece and a testament to the fortitude of this island nation.

It’s a leisurely trip from Heritage and Redcliffe quays to the heart of the city, home to a series of shops, cafes, and bars. On the southern side of town there’s also a lively farmers’ market worth exploring for its crafts and local produce. St John's also comes with a considerable arts and culture, for which the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, located in the heart of town, provides a good jumping-off point with its combo of history, heritage and environmental awareness. And with delightful weather year-round, there’s no end to outdoor activities, from tennis and cycling to fishing, sailing and the occasional cricket match.

Brief History

Christopher Columbus “discovered” Antigua in 1493, but it took more than another century for the island to actually have a permanent colony. Sugar cane became the dominant force, with the first sugar plantation established in 1674. Even after emancipation in 1834, local residents had limited control over their economic freedom until 1939 and the advent of the island’s trade union movement. Today, St John's is the epitome of Caribbean cosmopolitan, a home to high fashion, fine dining and the good life.

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