Set atop an 800-foot hill overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Brimstone Hill Fortress is arguably one of the most fascinating sights on St Kitts. The fortress itself was designed by the British and built by African slaves, who finished the project in 1790 after 100 years of construction. Powerful cannons were brought up the hillside to defend against outward attack, but that still didn’t stop the fortress from falling after a month-long siege by the French. Today Brimstone Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage site with sweeping views of the island, from the tropical shoreline on Sandy Point to offshore islands that are still ruled by the English, the French, and the Dutch. Amazing for not only the engineering that went into building the fortress, but also the way that it’s been preserved after centuries of toil and wear, Brimstone Hill Fortress is a must-visit sight for any traveler to St. Kitts.
