Dec18
Published by baksanir in ACTIVITIES, Biking, Camping, Chillin, CONTINENTS, Cruise, Eating, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Kite, North America, Oceania, Relaxing, Resorts, Restaurants, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Sightseeings, Snorkeling, South America, Surfing, Swimming, TOPICS, Travel gear, Urban Tourism, Walking
Martinique is an island in the eastern
Caribbean Sea, having a total area of 1,128 km². It is an overseas department of
France. Like the other islands, Martinique is also one of the 26 regions of France, and an integral part of the Republic. As part of France, Martinique is part of the
European Union, the currency used is the
euro. Its official language is French, although almost all of its inhabitants also speak
Antillean Creole. Martinique is pictured on all euro banknotes.
Fort de France is the capital of Martinique and the largest city in the French Antilles, and it has a population of 94,049 inhabitants. It is also one of the major cities in the Caribbean. The city centre is resplendent with
architecture dating back to the start of the 19th Century and monuments that speak of the island’s history. The full range of
shops,
restaurants and services are available in a distinctly Caribbean style. Larger shopping and
cinema complexes and meeting centers are located on the periphery of the city.
It is possible to reach Fort de France from any given point on the island within a few hours and is connected to
Trois Ilets and
Pointe du Bout by a convenient ferry service.
One of the most populary
sightseeing in Martinique is the
Saint Louis Cathedral which is in the capital Fort de France. Like the other atractions in the island, tourists don`t miss to take a look at the beautiful Cathedral.
Built in 1671, the Saint-Louis Cathedral does not escape the destiny animated from the city. Set fire to by the soldiers of Ruyter, it is destroyed on several occasions (earthquake of 1839; set fire to of 1890; cyclone of 1891; earthquake of 1953). The current building was almost entirely rebuilt in 1978 in its version end XIX century due to Henri Picq, the architect of the Schoelcher Library. The interior will surprise you by his astonishing clearness. Do not fail to throw an eye with Large the Organ and the stained glasses which recall the history of the city.
The design of the cathedral was heavily influenced by the architects desire to make the structure resistant to fire and cyclones and as such the profile of the building was kept to a minimum. The interior is luminous and richly decorated.
Built in 1671, the Saint-Louis Cathedral does not escape the destiny animated from the city. Set fire to by the soldiers of Ruyter, it is destroyed on several occasions (earthquake of 1839; set fire to of 1890; cyclone of 1891; earthquake of 1953). The current building was almost entirely rebuilt in 1978 in its version end XIX century due to Henri Picq, the architect of the Schoelcher Library. The interior will surprise you by his astonishing clearness. Do not fail to throw an eye with Large the Organ and the stained glasses which recall the history of the city.
