St. Louis Cathedral
#9 in Best Things To Do in Martinique
Key Info
Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 5.0Value
- 0.0Food Scene
- 3.5Atmosphere
St. Louis Cathedral should really be called St. Louis VII, because it's been rebuilt six times on the same spot in Fort-de-France. Its resiliency – or lack thereof – could partially be due to its structure. Previous iterations have used wood; now, St. Louie has an iron framework. Take time during your visit to admire the unusual architecture, visit the graves of the Martinique governors buried on the grounds and say a little prayer that this version of the church stays standing.
Recent visitors said the architecture, stained-glass windows and history are worth taking the short walk from the cruise port in Fort-de-France to the cathedral.
More Best Things To Do in Martinique
1 of 8
2 of 8#1 Anse Cafard Slave Memorial
High on a hill in southwest Martinique are 20 white stone effigies, silently facing Diamond Beach and the Caribbean Sea. They commemorate an 1830 catastrophe when a slave ship failed to properly anchor in Anse Cafard and careened into Martinique's Diamond Rock Mountain, killing many of the passengers and sailors as well as the slaves who were chained to the cargo hold. The chilling statues at this memorial are a popular stop and photo op for many, and although the monument has suffered some wear and tear, you too won't be disappointed with the overall effect.
Recent visitors say the simple memorial is quite sobering, with one calling it simultaneously "humbling and beautiful." Others appreciated that there are signs posted in both French and Enlish at the site that explain the significance of the memorial.
Explore More of Martinique
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.