Castries Map

Description:

Castries is the capital and largest city of Saint Lucia, located in the Caribbean region. The city was established in 1650 by the French and named after Charles Eugene Gabriel de la Croix, Marquis de Castries. Today, it serves as the main commercial and political center of the country, with a population of approximately 22,000 residents in the city proper.

The city's economy heavily relies on tourism and port activities. The Port of Castries is one of the major ports in the Caribbean, handling both cargo ships and cruise vessels. The port welcomes over 600,000 cruise ship passengers annually and serves as a significant contributor to the local economy.

Among the city's notable landmarks is the Derek Walcott Square, named after the Nobel Prize-winning poet who was born in Castries. The square features a 400-year-old samaan tree and is surrounded by important buildings including the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1897. The cathedral represents a unique blend of French and Caribbean architectural styles.

Castries features the Castries Central Market, which is the largest open-air market in Saint Lucia. Here, vendors sell local produce, spices, crafts, and traditional medicines. The city is also home to the La Toc Battery, a historical military installation that offers panoramic views of the harbor.

The city's geography is characterized by its natural harbor, surrounded by volcanic hills. The Morne Fortune (Hill of Good Luck) overlooks the city and houses several historical military structures from the colonial period. Despite suffering from major fires in 1785 and 1948, Castries has maintained its position as the primary urban center of Saint Lucia and continues to develop as a major Caribbean port city.