rt Charlotte, constructed during the governorship of Lord Dunmore (1787-1796), was named in honour of the wife of King George III. There are actually three forts: Fort Charlotte, the eastern section, Fort Stanley, the middle section, and Fort D’Arcy, the western section. The building of the forts, out of solid rock, began in 1787 and was completed in 1819. A dry moat surrounds Fort Charlotte and it is spanned by a wooden bridge on the north side. The forts and military installations in New Providence and throughout The Bahamas formed such an insurmountable defence system that potential invaders were discouraged, and, as a result, these forts never fired a gun in battle

Erected in 1793, Fort Fincastle was named after British captain Lord Dunmore—and his second title, Viscount Fincastle—who had it built to protect Nassau Harbour and watch for encroaching pirates. Since it was located atop Bennet’s Hill, the highest point on New Providence Island, the fort provided fantastic views of Nassau and Paradise Island as well as the eastern approaches to New Providence. Its appearance alone must have been daunting enough to all would-be marauders since its cannons were never fired! Open seven days a week, 8:00am to 4:00pm.

The Queen's Staircase, commonly referred to as the 66 steps, is a major landmark that is located in the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex in Nassau. It was hewn out of solid limestone rock by slaves between 1793 and 1794 and it is said that it provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. These steps were later named in honour of Queen Victoria, who reigned in Britain for 64 years from 1837 to 1901. There are only 65 steps visible because the pathway that leads to the steps was paved and the bottom step is buried under the asphalt. Great photo opportunity.

Visit one the oldest sweets and sweets manufacturers in the Bahamas. Mortimer's Sweets shop was first started by Mr Ulric Mortimer Sr in 1928.

Rawson Square located in city centre Nassau, is the gateway to the city for cruise-ship passengers. It was named for Sir Rawson W. Rawson who was Governor of The Bahamas during the late 1860s. In the middle of the square is a bronze bust of Sir Milo Butler, the first Bahamian Governor General in an independent Bahamas. A fountain in the square was named for Sir Stafford Sands, the first Bahamian Minister of Tourism.

he buildings in Parliament Square were constructed in 1815 by the Loyalists. They are modelled on buildings that are found in New Bern, the old capital of North Carolina. These flamingo-pink government buildings are excellent examples of the colonial architecture of old Nassau. The building to the right is the House of Assembly where parliamentary meetings are held. The Senate meets upstairs in the centre building and the building to the left houses the office of the Leader of the Opposition. Queen Victoria's Statue, erected in 1905 from funds donated by the public who held her in high esteem, is in the front of the Senate building. Located at the back of the Senate building is the Supreme Court which occupied this present building since 1921. This is where quarterly sessions of the Bahamas Superior Court and sessions of The Court of Appeal sit. Judges and lawyers are dressed in traditional British wigs and robes.

The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory produces bundt rum cakes in several scrumptious flavours, like Pina Colada, banana, chocolate, and plain pound cake. The cakes are marinated in the famous Ole Nassau Rum, distilled in Nassau on New Providence Island, and they especially go great with ice cream. These cakes are available throughout the island as well as in the departure lounge at the Lynden Pindling International Airport and at Festival Place on Prince George Wharf. They are vacuum packed for shipping and will retain their flavour. You can get a tour of the facilities and free tastings when you visit. Home-made jams and jams are also available. Hours of operation: Monday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Price Start at $7.00

Bahama Art and Handicraft is a Treasure Box filled with unique memories of The Bahamas, we sell a large selection of different Bahamian Art and Handicrafts such as: Paintings of all different media Mosaics (mirrors and pictures) Straw-work Jewellery of all different media Shell-work (mirrors, frames, plants etc) Wood-work Gift bags Quilts Preservatives Sea Glass work Ceramics Books Souvenirs Old Bahamian prints (large selection)

Visit local artisans and straw craft vendors for locally made souvenirs, T Shirts and jewellery.