Castries Market is a dazzling display of local produce, arts and crafts, and is a great place to interact with local people.
Founded in 1650, Castries, Saint Lucia’s capital, was devastated by fires three times between 1796 and 1948, meaning there are few buildings of historical value. It is, however, a bustling town full of St Lucian culture, with many sights worth seeing. Derek Walcott Square is the heart of the small city and is named after the St Lucian writer who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992. At the eastern edge of the square is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, while the Central Library can be found on the western corner of the square. Not far from here you can find Castries Market and the Vendor’s Arcade, both excellent spots for souvenir shopping. Castries Market is a dazzling display of local produce, arts and crafts, and is a great place to interact with local people. The Folk Research Centre has an interesting cultural archive and library, and puts on cultural events throughout the year.