Blackbeard's Castle: A Pirate's Lookout
Explore a historic Danish watchtower with panoramic views and pirate lore in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. A Caribbean landmark!
Blackbeard's Castle, also known as Skytsborg Tower, is a historic landmark in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, offering visitors a captivating journey into the island's colonial past and pirate legends. Constructed in 1679 by the Danish as a watchtower, it was strategically positioned to protect the harbor and Fort Christian. The tower's elevated location provided an ideal vantage point for spotting approaching ships. While there's limited historical evidence linking Blackbeard directly to the tower, local folklore suggests that the notorious pirate Edward Teach, known as Blackbeard, utilized it as a lookout during his Caribbean escapades in the early 18th century. This association has cemented the tower's name and fame, making it a must-see attraction for history buffs and adventure seekers. Today, Blackbeard's Castle is part of Skytsborg Historical Park, featuring restored colonial homes, lush gardens, and life-sized pirate sculptures. Visitors can explore the grounds, take in the breathtaking views of Charlotte Amalie and the harbor, and delve into the legends of pirates and colonial history. The site also includes the historic manor houses of Villa Notman, Haagensen House, and Hotel 1829, showcasing authentic West Indian mahogany furniture.
Local tips
- Visit in the morning to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more leisurely exploration of the castle grounds.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven with several stairs to navigate.
- Bring your camera to capture the stunning views of Charlotte Amalie and the harbor.
A brief summary to Blackbeard's Castle
- 83VC+H42 St. Thomas, Torvet State Rd, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, 00802, VI
- +1340-776-1234
- Visit website
Getting There
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Walking
If you are already in Charlotte Amalie, Blackbeard's Castle is accessible by foot. From the ferry terminal or main streets, head towards Government Hill. The walk is uphill and takes about 10-15 minutes. Look for signs directing you to Blackbeard's Castle. Note that the walk involves climbing the 99 Steps (actually 103 steps).
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Charlotte Amalie. Simply hop into a taxi and ask to be taken to Blackbeard's Castle on Government Hill. The taxi ride from the main areas of Charlotte Amalie is short. Expect to pay around $4-$5 per person. Be aware that taxis in St. Thomas often operate as shared rides, so you may be sharing the taxi with other passengers.
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Public Transport
The VITRAN public bus system has routes through Charlotte Amalie. Check the VITRAN bus schedule for the nearest bus stop to Blackbeard's Castle. From the bus stop, there will be a short uphill walk to the castle. The bus fare is $1 per ride.
