CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons (Terry Ott)Landmark· St Lucia· Windward Islands
Derek Walcott Square and Cathedral (Castries)
14° 0.5′ N · 60° 59.4′ W
The shady heart of Castries, named for the Nobel laureate poet and centred on a great samaan tree, faces the 1897 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, one of the largest churches in the Caribbean, with a wooden interior covered in vivid murals.
Practical
Coordinate is the OpenStreetMap park outline of Derek Walcott Square; the cathedral is across the street to the east (Wikipedia: 14.00913°N, 60.99008°W). The square was earlier Place d'Armes, Promenade Square and Columbus Square, renamed in 1993 (Wikipedia). Combine with Castries Market, two blocks away. On the eve of National Day in December the square is lit for the Festival of Lights, with a lantern parade and fireworks (Saint Lucia Tourism Authority). Respectful dress in the cathedral, especially during Sunday services.
Best for
A walking tour of the capital
Nearby
- Castries Customs and Immigration0.1 NM away
- Jounen Kwéyòl and Creole Heritage Month0.1 NM away
- Saint Lucia Carnival0.1 NM away
- Castries Central Market0.2 NM away
- Castries Ferry Terminal (Express des Iles)0.2 NM away
- Dive Fair Helen (Vigie, Castries)0.4 NM away
- Pointe Seraphine Duty-Free Shopping (Castries)0.4 NM away
- Castries and Vigie Fuel and Cooking Gas0.5 NM away