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Summary
Unique attractions include the Kingstown Market, which has a variety of foods, arts and crafts; the historical churches of St. George's Anglican Cathedral and St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral; the Botanical Gardens, the oldest garden in the Western Hemisphere founded in 1762; and forts Charlotte, constructed in 1806, and Duvernette, built in 1800.

St. Vincent coastline; © St. Vincent & Grenadines Ministry of Tourism and Culture

Kingstown
The nation's capital offers historical, cultural, dining and shopping opportunities. The Kingstown Market displays local arts and crafts and carries fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and fish. Particularly well stocked on Fridays and Saturdays. The city also is known for its historical churches and botanical gardens below.

Historical Churches
St. George’s Anglican Cathedral was built in the early 1800s in the Georgian architectural style and features spectacular stained-glass windows that were originally commissioned by Queen Victoria. St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, built in 1823, shows Moorish, Romanesque and Georgian styles made from dark volcanic sand bricks. Kingstown Methodist Church is worth noting for its stained glass and massive pipe organ.

Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens, founded in 1762, are the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. They were first used as a breeding site for plants brought from other parts of the world. Noteworthy displays include an aviary and one of the original breadfruit tress of Captain Bligh, famous for the mutiny that took place on his ship the HMS Bounty.

Forts Charlotte and Duvernette
Charlotte was built in 1806 and stands 600 feet above the bay on Berkshire Hill outside of Kingstown. It was named after King George III’s wife. The fort was occupied by 600 troops and 34 guns; today it has a museum with historical collections. Duvernette was built in 1800 and stands 195 feet above the sea and was originally intended to defend the anchorage at Calliaqua Bay. Visits to the fort are arranged by ferry at the Villa Beach dock.

Owia Salt Pond
The pond is a large bathing pool enclosed by lava peaks and ridges at the edge of the sea. Atlantic Ocean waves crash into the peaks and ridges and then gently cascade into the pool. The location is an opportunity for picnics, swimming and snorkeling.