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Historic zone of Basseterre

Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party.

Saint Kitts and Nevis (Latin America and the Caribbean)
Date of Submission: 17/09/1998
Category: Cultural
Submitted by: Larry Armony (Ministry of Education, Labour and Social Security- P.O.Box 333, Cayon St. Basseterre)
Coordinates: Island of St.Kitts, N.E. Caribbean
Ref.: 1116

Description

Founded circa 1625 as the first French town in the Caribbean, Basseterre is located on a shelterd bay opening upon an extensive and fertile plain. It became the British capital in 1727. The design of the oldest section is French, while many of the older buildings combine elements of french and English colonial architecture. The town, with a population of some 15000 is the capital of the country of St.Kitts and Nevis, and is the main commercial centre. There are two port facilities- one for cardgo, the other for travellers (mainly cruise ship). The international airport is just two miles from the town centre.