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Seville Great House: A Journey Through Jamaican History

Explore Jamaica's captivating past at Seville Great House, a historic landmark showcasing the island's diverse cultural heritage.

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Seville Great House and Heritage Park offers a captivating glimpse into Jamaica's rich history, from the island's first inhabitants to the colonial era. Explore the beautifully preserved Great House, wander through the expansive park, and discover the stories of the Taino people, Spanish settlers, enslaved Africans, and British colonists who shaped Jamaica's cultural landscape.

A brief summary to Seville Great House

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the park covers a large area with walking trails and historical sites to explore.
  • Visit in the morning for cooler temperatures, especially if you plan to explore the outdoor areas.
  • Check the park's website or contact them for information on special events or workshops.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the Great House, museum, and Heritage Park.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Seville Great House is located approximately 1.25 miles west of St. Ann's Bay and about 5 miles west of Ocho Rios on Jamaica's north coast. From Ocho Rios, take the A3 west towards St. Ann's Bay. After passing through St. Ann's Bay, continue on the A3, and look for signs indicating the turnoff to Seville Heritage Park on the left. The drive from Ocho Rios is about 15-20 minutes. Parking is available on the property. There are no tolls.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Ocho Rios and St. Ann's Bay. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A taxi from Ocho Rios to Seville Great House will cost approximately $30-40 USD. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. From St. Ann's Bay, a taxi ride will be shorter and cost around $10-15 USD.

  • Public Transport

    Route taxis operate between Ocho Rios and St. Ann's Bay. Look for taxis with red license plates and hail one heading in the direction of St. Ann's Bay. The fare from Ocho Rios to St. Ann's Bay is approximately $2-3 USD. From St. Ann's Bay, you can take another taxi or walk the remaining 1.25 miles to Seville Great House. A taxi from St. Ann's Bay to the Great House should cost around $5-7 USD.

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Discover more about Seville Great House

Seville Great House, nestled in the countryside of St. Ann, Jamaica, is more than just a historical site; it's a journey through time. The 300-acre Seville Heritage Park encompasses thousands of years of Jamaican history, from pre-colonial times to the 20th century. Originally, the area was the site of Maima, an indigenous Taino village encountered by Christopher Columbus in 1494. In 1509, the Spanish established Sevilla la Nueva (New Seville), the first European settlement and capital of Jamaica. The English captured the island in 1655, and the land was granted to Captain Samuel Hemmings, who constructed the Seville Great House in the 1670s. The Great House is a classic example of Georgian architecture, with elegant lines and expansive verandas. Inside, a museum showcases artifacts from the Taino, Spanish, and British eras, offering insights into the lives of those who lived and worked on the estate. Explore the recreated African village, wander through the ruins of the English sugar factory, and reflect at the memorial to enslaved Africans. Today, Seville Great House and Heritage Park is owned by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust and is listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands as a testament to Jamaica's complex and diverse history, inviting visitors to connect with the island's past.

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