Independence Square

Address: Basseterre, St Kitts

ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience, Tip - Family Travel, Monument - Historical, Plaza / Square

Originally constructed in the late 1700s for slave auctions and council meetings, the public square in Basseterre was officially rechristened in 1983 to commemorate the independence of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis from Great Britain. In darker days, human chattel were kept in tunnels under the Georgian House (now a gourmet restaurant) on the south side of the square before being brought up for bidding. Today the space is a gathering place for promenaders, family outings, impromptu gatherings, and any number of parades, parties and festivals.

Adorned with a large fountain at its center, the formerly named Pall Mall Square is surrounded by excellent examples of British Colonial architecture. The perimeters are bordered by old stone buildings and period appropriate wooden structures painted in white and pastels that make Independence Square one of the central hubs of the cultural life of the region.

Latest Reviews

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All Independence Square Reviews

Review by Milton D, April 2013
Doing what: St Kitts Island Tour

St. Kitts very beautiful. My Island Tour was the best experience of all. Very friendly people. Motorists displayed much courtesy to pedestrians. My guide Osquin Morton, now my friend, was the greatest. Thank you St. Kitts for the pleasant memories. I will return and recommend you to friends. Milton Douglas.

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Review by grammie, December 2012
Doing what: St Kitts Shore Excursion: Discover St Kitts Tour

I enjoyed my tour of St Kitts, a really beautiful island. Our tour guide was very informative and pointed out a lot of interesting features. I would love to spend a week on the island in the future.

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Review by Danny S, December 2012
Doing what: St Kitts Shore Excursion: Discover St Kitts Tour

We really enjoyed our excursion. The people were very friendly and informative,and did what we were supposed to do. Our ship had to change its itinerary which put us in port on a different day. When I called to verify the change, it did not go well, but when we got to St.Kitts everything went as planned. Dock people were extremely helpful and had everything under control. Even the people there not with your company were very,very helpful.

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Practical Info

It is important to keep in mind that when in the city and other public places around Basseterre to be sure to wear shoes and a shirt. It is considered highly disrespectful to make the transition from beach to civilized spaces without donning the appropriate attire.