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Fort Matthew: A Historical Sentinel Overlooking St. George's

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Explore Fort Matthew in Grenada: A historic landmark with breathtaking views and a glimpse into the island's colonial past.

Fort Matthew, constructed between 1784 and 1790, is the largest fort in Grenada, offering panoramic views of St. George's. Once a battleground and later a mental institution, it stands as a testament to the island's colonial past and strategic importance.

A brief summary to Fort Matthew

  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fort Matthew.

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the fort involves some walking on uneven terrain.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of St. George's and the coastline.
  • Consider joining a guided tour for a more comprehensive understanding of the fort's history and significance.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Melville Street Bus Terminal in St. George's, head east on Melville Street towards the Carenage. Turn left onto the Carenage and walk north. Turn right onto Sendall Tunnel Road and proceed through the Sendall Tunnel. After exiting the tunnel, turn left onto Richmond Hill Road. Follow Richmond Hill Road uphill for approximately 15-20 minutes. Fort Matthew will be on your left. Note that the walk is uphill and can be strenuous.

  • Public Transport

    From the Melville Street Bus Terminal in St. George's, board any bus heading towards the Richmond Hill area. These buses are independently operated vans with route numbers displayed on the windshield. Inform the driver you wish to get off near Fort Matthew. The bus will drop you off on Richmond Hill Road, from where you will have a short uphill walk to the fort. Bus fare is typically EC$2.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in St. George's. Negotiate a fare with the driver to Fort Matthew on Richmond Hill. A typical fare from the Carenage or Melville Street Bus Terminal should be around EC$20-30. The taxi will drop you off directly at the entrance of the fort.

Discover more about Fort Matthew

Perched on Richmond Hill, Fort Matthew offers visitors a glimpse into Grenada's rich and turbulent history. Built by the French after recapturing the island in 1779 and completed by the British, the fort was named after Governor Edward Matthew and served as a crucial defensive structure. Its strategic location provided commanding views of St. George's harbor and the surrounding coastline. Over the years, Fort Matthew has had a varied and intriguing past. Besides its military function, it also served as a mental institution. Though partially destroyed during the U.S. invasion of Grenada in 1983, the fort's 18th-century infrastructure, including kitchens, cells, and a network of tunnels, remains largely intact. Today, visitors can explore the fort's well-preserved structures and wander through its tunnel network. The site offers stunning views of St. George's, including the Melville Street Cruise Port, St. George's University, and the Carenage. Informative plaques and guided tours provide insights into the fort's history and its impact on Grenada's development.
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