St. John's

St. John's is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, on a deep harbour on Antigua's northwest coast. The British settled Antigua in 1632, and the country became independent on 1 November 1981. Ships dock at piers on the edge of town. Heritage Quay is closest to the centre, and Redcliffe Quay, with its restored warehouses, is a minute away. The other piers are a little farther out but still walkable. St. John's Cathedral, about an 8-10 minute walk uphill from the piers, is the third church on the site, since earthquakes in 1683 and 1745 destroyed the first two. The present building dates from 1845. Nelson's Dockyard at English Harbour, a Georgian naval base and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016, is about 30 kilometres away, 45 minutes by taxi. The national dish is fungee and pepperpot, a firm cornmeal and okra mash served with a thick stew of salt meat and vegetables. The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the currency, and US dollars are widely taken.