Fort Frederick, Saint Mark Travel Guide

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Explore Grenada's history at Fort Frederick: panoramic views, unique architecture, and a fort that never fired a shot in anger.

Perched atop Richmond Hill, Fort Frederick offers panoramic views of Grenada's capital, St. George's, and the coastline. Built by the French in the late 1770s and completed by the British in 1783, this well-preserved bastion never fired a shot in anger, earning it the nickname 'backward-facing fort' due to its inland-facing cannons.

A brief summary to Fort Frederick

27X6+7XH, Richmond Hill, GD
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces within the fort.
Bring a flashlight to explore the short tunnels located at the base of the fort.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Fort Matthew for a more comprehensive historical experience.
Bring cash for the entrance fee.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park

Welcome Stone

Leapers Hill

Fort Matthew

Annandale Waterfall & Forest Park

Explore Fort Frederick on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Fort Frederick, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of St. George's, Fort Frederick is approximately a 2-mile (3.2 km) uphill hike. The walk takes around 45 minutes to an hour, offering scenic views along the way. Follow the road towards Richmond Hill. Be prepared for a moderately challenging walk due to the elevation gain.
Public Transport

From the Grand Anse Bus Terminal, take a bus heading towards St. George's. Bus fare is around EC$2.50 - EC$6.50. Ask the driver to be dropped off near Fort Frederick. From the drop-off point, there will be a short uphill walk to the fort.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in St. George's and Grand Anse. A taxi ride from St. George's to Fort Frederick typically costs between EC$25 to EC$54 (US$10 - US$20), depending on your negotiation skills and starting location. Ensure the driver has a visible ID and a rate card to avoid overcharging. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Discover more about Fort Frederick

Fort Frederick, located on Richmond Hill, stands as a testament to Grenada's colonial past and strategic importance. Constructed between 1779 and 1783 during the struggle between the French and British, the fort offers breathtaking panoramic views of St. George's, the Caribbean Sea, and the island's lush landscape.Interestingly, Fort Frederick never engaged in battle, a unique distinction for a Caribbean fortification. Its cannons, facing inland, were strategically positioned to defend against land-based attacks, a lesson learned by the French when they initially captured Grenada. This design earned it the moniker 'backward-facing fort'.Visitors can explore the fort's well-preserved ramparts, gun emplacements, and tunnels, gaining insight into Grenada's military history. From its vantage point, one can see the picturesque Carenage, the azure waters of the Caribbean, and the rolling mountain ridges covered in vegetation. Fort Frederick provides a tangible link to the island's past and offers stunning photo opportunities.During the 1979 Grenada Revolution, Fort Frederick served as the headquarters for the motorized division of the People's Revolutionary Army. The Central Committee, led by Maurice Bishop, held meetings at the fort during the revolution.