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Fort Frederick: Grenada's Backward-Facing Sentinel

Explore Grenada's Fort Frederick: a historic 'backward-facing' fort with panoramic views of St. George's and the Caribbean Sea.

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Fort Frederick, perched atop Richmond Hill in St. George's, Grenada, is a well-preserved 18th-century bastion offering panoramic views. Built by the French and completed by the British, it uniquely faces inland, earning it the nickname 'backward-facing fort' for its defense strategy against land-based attacks. A visit provides insight into Grenada's colonial past and stunning island vistas.

A brief summary to Fort Frederick

Local tips

  • Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photos and to avoid crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the fort involves walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of St. George's and the coastline.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Grand Anse Bus Terminal, take a bus heading towards St. George's. The bus fare is approximately EC$2.00. Inform the driver that you wish to get off near Fort Frederick on Richmond Hill. From the drop-off point, it is a short walk uphill to the fort entrance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in St. George's. A taxi ride from the city center to Fort Frederick typically costs between EC$25 to EC$30. Ensure the driver has a visible ID and a rate card to avoid overcharging.

  • Walking

    From the center of St. George's, Fort Frederick is approximately a 2-mile uphill hike. The walk takes around 45 minutes to an hour, offering scenic views along the way. Be prepared for a steep incline and wear comfortable shoes.

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Discover more about Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick, an imposing historical landmark, sits majestically on Richmond Hill, overlooking Grenada's capital city of St. George's. Constructed between 1779 and 1783 during the tug-of-war between the French and British empires, this bastion is celebrated as one of the Caribbean's best-preserved forts. Unusually, Fort Frederick's cannons point inland, designed to defend against attacks from the island itself rather than from the sea, leading to its moniker as the 'backward-facing fort'. Standing 244 meters (800 feet) above sea level, the fort delivers breathtaking panoramic views. Visitors can witness the vibrant cityscape of St. George's, the sparkling Caribbean Sea, and the verdant, mountainous landscape that defines Grenada. The fort's architecture features stone walls, ramparts, and bastions arranged in a triangular layout, offering a glimpse into 18th-century military engineering. Exploring Fort Frederick provides a tangible connection to Grenada's history, including its role in colonial conflicts and the 1979 revolution when it served as the headquarters for the People's Revolutionary Army. The site is open to the public and offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the island's beauty and strategic importance.

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