The Spiritual Side of St. Kitts

While some Caribbean islands are known for their raucous atmosphere, St. Kitts and its residents are content being quiet, peaceful and devout. Though the island certainly isn't without plenty of fun, the spiritual nature of St. Kitts' residents seems to grant a calming influence to all who visit. Like many other destinations known for being peaceful and contemplative, life for locals in St. Kitts seems to revolve around the churches and their rich histories. As the population of St. Kitts is small compared to other popular Caribbean islands, the island has only two main churches. However, these churches ý a Roman Catholic cathedral and an Anglican church ý are two of the most important buildings on the island and should be part of any sightseeing tour in Basseterre.

One of the most impressive structures in St. Kitts is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic church that dates to the 1920s. Though the cathedral is not yet 100 years old, a number of colonial churches have stood on the land since the early 18th century. The original Catholic cathedral was built on this picturesque plot in 1706. Initially known as the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the French-built structure was destroyed only four years later by invading British troops. With St. Kitts under British control, the church was rebuilt in 1710 as the island's primary Anglican church. For the next century, Roman Catholics were persecuted by the British and forbidden from worshipping in public. As a result, the Catholic population of St. Kitts was forced to practice their religion in private, without a house of worship to call their own.

After a century of persecution, St. Kitts' Catholics were again allowed to practice their faith in 1829. A few years later, a large group of Portuguese immigrants arrived on the island, further increasing the island's diversity and St. Kitts' Catholic population. With the support of these devoutly religious immigrants, St. Kitts' Catholic population erected a new church in 1856. Now known as the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the building served the island's Catholic community until 1927 when today's larger, more ornate structure was erected. Today, visitors can tour the cathedral amongst the beautiful surroundings of Independence Square, St. Kitts' historic park that is bordered by well-preserved colonial buildings.

After St. Kitts' Catholic population reclaimed the site of their church in the mid-19th century, the Anglican congregation built a new house of worship just east of the cathedral. Like the original incarnation of the Catholic cathedral, St. George's Anglican Church was built in the 1850s. However, unlike the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, St. George's Anglican Church has remained intact for 150 years. Though St. George's has been renovated several times following fires and storms, the remarkable colonial structure is still in service today. Despite lacking the grandeur of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, St. George's Anglican Church is an important site in Basseterre and shouldn't be missed when touring the city.

To the west of both primary churches, visitors will find the Springfield Chapel and Cemetery. Also constructed in the mid-19th century, the Springfield Chapel and Cemetery is an important religious and historical site for locals. In 1858, the government responded to a cholera epidemic that had affected the island for four years by requiring all future burials to take place at Springfield Cemetery. In 1862, the government of St. Kitts added the non-denominational chapel to be used for all burial services. Today, the Springfield Chapel and Cemetery serve as constant reminders of the island's unwavering faith and unique colonial history. Just as many locals celebrate this site amongst the most spiritual and uplifting in St. Kitts, many visitors have made the journey to the west side of Basseterre to experience the rustic chapel and historic graveyard.

If you want to tap into the peaceful spirit of St. Kitts, these sites should be at the top of your sightseeing list. While the churches in St. Kitts might seem modest at first glance, these incredible buildings have incredible stories to tell to all who visit.

Justin Burch writes articles about travel in St. Kitts for the Marriott Resorts.