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Seville Great House: A Journey Through Jamaican History

Explore Jamaica's first Spanish capital, from Taino village to sugar plantation, at this immersive heritage park and museum.

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Seville Great House and Heritage Park, located near St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica, offers a captivating glimpse into the island's multifaceted history. From its origins as a Taino settlement to its role as the first Spanish capital and later a British sugar plantation, Seville is a microcosm of Jamaica's cultural evolution.

A brief summary to Seville Great House

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the park covers a large area with varying terrain.
  • Mornings are ideal for visiting, especially to explore the outdoor areas in cooler temperatures.
  • Check the park's website for special events or workshops that may be taking place during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From St. Ann's Bay, head west towards Priory. Seville Great House is located approximately 1.25 miles west of the town center. Look for signs indicating the turnoff to Seville Heritage Park. Parking is available on the grounds.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in St. Ann's Bay. A taxi to Seville Great House will cost approximately $15-20 USD. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Seville Great House

Seville Great House and Heritage Park, situated in the serene countryside of St. Ann, Jamaica, is a historical site that encapsulates the island's rich and diverse past. The 300-acre park , owned by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust , overlooks the Caribbean Sea and marks the location of Sevilla la Nueva, the first Spanish capital of Jamaica. Originally established as Sevilla la Nueva in 1509 by Spanish settlers , the site was initially a Taino village called Maima. In 1494, Christopher Columbus first set foot in Jamaica here. The Spanish settlement became the first European settlement on the island. By 1511, the Spanish Crown began forcing the Taino people into labor. The Great House was constructed in 1745, during British rule, as the centerpiece of a vast sugar plantation. The house is a classic example of Georgian architecture. The top story was removed after being damaged by a hurricane around 1898. Today, Seville Great House is a museum showcasing Jamaica's history from the earliest known inhabitants to the 20th century. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the Taino village, Spanish settlement, and British sugar plantation. Reconstructions of Taino and African slave dwellings offer insights into their daily lives. The museum also features artifacts from each era, including Taino pottery, Spanish tools, and remnants of the sugar industry. The grounds also include a memorial to the enslaved Africans whose remains were discovered on the site.

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