Information
Landmark: Fort FincastleCity: Nassau
Country: Bahamas
Continent: North America
Fort Fincastle, Nassau, Bahamas, North America
Overview
Perched atop Bennet’s Hill-the highest spot in Nassau-Fort Fincastle is a compact stone stronghold with a rich history.Built in the late 1700s, the fort once guarded the island’s shores and today towers over Nassau as one of its most famous historic sights.You’ll find it on Bennet’s Hill, right at the top of the Queen’s Staircase in Nassau, where the stone steps catch the midday sun.Entry fee: just a few dollars, usually about $3 to $5 per person-enough for a cup of coffee.They’re usually open every day, starting in the morning and closing by early evening-often just as the streetlights flicker on.The architecture mirrors a paddle-wheel steamer’s silhouette, even curving like a ship’s bow, a striking departure from the straight, rigid lines of traditional forts.Fort Fincastle rose in 1793 under Lord Dunmore’s orders, the Bahamian governor, its limestone walls catching the glare of the midday sun.It was built to guard Nassau and its harbor, keeping pirates at bay and stopping foreign ships from slipping in under cover of night.The fort takes its name from Lord Dunmore’s second title, Viscount Fincastle, a name that once echoed through the stone halls.The fort stood watch over the land, its high walls guarding against any threat.Perched high on Bennet’s Hill, it offered a perfect vantage point to catch sight of ships on the horizon and send out quick warning signals.Unlike the usual square or round forts, Fort Fincastle juts forward like a ship’s bow, its shape clearly built for life at sea.The fort’s walls are built from cut limestone, the pale, sun-warmed stone you often see in buildings across the Bahamas.The fort once bristled with cannons and small artillery, and you can still see a few of them today, their iron barrels dark with age.They built these weapons to guard the city and watch over its busy harbor, where gulls wheeled above the docks.Visitors can glimpse its strength in the thick bastions and the narrow firing slits carved into stone.From the fort’s observation deck, you can take in sweeping views of Nassau-the busy harbor, Paradise Island, and the turquoise waters that shimmer in the sun.On guided tours, friendly, well-informed guides bring the fort’s history to life, weaving in tales of its defense of Nassau and the bustle of colonial-era streets.Photo Opportunities: Perched high above the water, the fort’s striking design draws photographers eager to snap dramatic shots of the island and the deep blue sea.Visitors can wander through the fort’s cramped interior, feel the worn stone underfoot as they climb its steps, and take a close look at old cannons and artifacts.Fort Fincastle sits right at the top of the Queen’s Staircase, so it’s easy to explore them together-one moment you’re climbing worn limestone steps, the next you’re standing inside a sturdy 18th-century fort.Wear comfortable shoes-the path around the fort means plenty of walking and a bit of climbing over sun-warmed stone steps.Bring your camera-the fort’s high perch looks out over Nassau, where turquoise water glints in the sun and every angle begs for a photo.Go early-the morning’s quiet, and soft golden light makes photos shine.Just steps away, the Queen’s Staircase winds through cool limestone, carrying you straight to the fort.The Water Tower, Nassau’s tallest landmark, stands beside the old fort, where visitors once climbed up for sweeping views of the turquoise bay-now closed to the public.Downtown Nassau is just a quick stroll or a few minutes’ drive, where you can browse bright shop windows, grab a bite, and take in its colorful cultural landmarks.Why stop by?At Fort Fincastle, you step straight into Nassau’s colonial past, surrounded by weathered stone walls and sweeping views of the bay.Whether you’re into old stone walls, chasing the perfect shot, or just wandering Nassau’s streets, you can’t miss Fort Fincastle.
