I visited Bridgetown (August 8th) and its Garrison (August 6th) during my 5-week trip to the Caribbean island of Barbados. If you’re wondering why I chose to spend 5 weeks on this small island: My girlfriend is from Barbados and after the pandemic this was (after 2 failed attempts) the first opportunity for us to travel to Barbados together. 

In previous reviews, Bridgetown and its Garrison were not exactly positively evaluated by fellow World Heritage travellers. I would like to add some nuance, as I think that this site deserves a bit more. According to criterion ii, “Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison had a pivotal role in the development of the English colonies in the Atlantic World”. In fact, Bridgetown served as the main British base in the Eastern Caribbean, both militarily and in trade. It served as a link between the British isles and the other Caribbean island colonies. Sadly, not that much is left from this period. The UNESCO page states that “it has remained essentially unchanged for 200 years, and provides an outstanding glimpse into a pivotal period of British imperial rule and culture.” The first part of this statement is not very true, the last part, however, is. 

I must admit that it does require a certain understanding of its role in British colonial history to enjoy a visit to Bridgetown.

My highlights of this site: 

• The Parliament Buildings, which can be visited on a short tour for only 10 BBD (5 USD). (Make sure not to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as it is not open to visitors on those days).
• The screw dock, a very vulnerable heritage site, and the only one in the whole world. 
• The Barbados Museum: A small museum, but it did help me understand Barbados’ history. 
• Swan Street in Bridgetown: A very bustling street with a lot of vendors. 

In short, the historic significance is very clear, but Bridgetown might not exactly be what you would expect from a Caribbean historic centre.