Charming Cayman Castle

LOCATION:  Pedro Castle Road, Savannah, Savannah KY1-1501, Cayman Islands (a 20 minute drive from Georgetown)

Telephone #:  1 345-947-3329

GENERAL INFORMATION:  The property is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except Christmas and Good Friday).  There is a Visitor Center, restrooms, theater exhibits, a gift shop, and cafe

The multi-sensory room is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a presentation beginning every hour. 

There is an admission fee (currently $10 US) and free to children under the age of 12 (accompanied by a parent). 

HISTORIC INFORMATION:  Pedro's Castle is the oldest existing building in the Cayman Islands.  William Eden had this house built in 1780 using slave labor from Jamaica.  At a time when most people lived in small thatched-roof houses this building must have seemed like a castle to them.  Over the years, many families lived here but it also served as the jail and courthouse and a restaurant. Eventually, the building fell into a state of disrepair.  In 1996, a $6 million restoration project brought the building back to its 18^th century style.  The Pedro St. James National Historic Site opened in 1998. 

Our tour arrives at the “castle”.  We enter through the gift shop and spend a few minutes browsing before proceeding into the courtyard.  At this point, we are greeted by a guide who takes us into the theater and begins telling us the history behind the Castle including a tragic death of a young girl …

Our group moves inside the multi-sensory room.  The 20 minute movie presentation tells about Grand Cayman's history and the story of the people who lived here at the Castle. While watching the movie we “experience” a thunder and lightning storm. I can hear the pitter-patter of water drops and then I feel sprinkles of rain touching my skin (cover your cameras so they don’t get wet).  It is during the storm scene that we learn about the tragic death of the owner’s young daughter, Mary Jane.  In 1877, lightning struck the house and the young girl was killed.  The family considered this a bad luck omen and abandoned the premises. 

Piece of Original Stone Pillar - Exhibit in Multi-Sensory Room

Display in Theater

Creating Rain Sounds

After we leave the theater, we are guided to the “castle by the sea”.  The wrap-around porches give this three-story house its grand appearance.  I could envision myself sitting in this rocking chair, sipping a refreshing beverage, and enjoying the gorgeous view from this porch.  

St James Pedro Castle

Stairs to Porches

Porch

Bedroom

Living Area

Outbuilding behind Castle

We have a few minutes to walk around the property.  The buildings are surrounded by almost eight acres of gardens showcasing native plants which provided nourishment, medicinal remedies, and much more.  The Caymanian people were resourceful and nothing went to waste.  Leaves were used to weave baskets and rope.  Trees were used to make boats and toys.  I guess these donkeys are used as lawn mowers!

Garden Landscape near Castle

Donkey near Gazebo Landscaping

A 25 foot diameter gazebo is located near the Caribbean Sea.  It is a picture-perfect place to sit a spell and enjoy the view.  Unfortunately, I am not able to do this because our tour is leaving.  Maybe another time…

Gazebo and Caribbean Sea

Over the years, this house has suffered damage from hurricanes and fires but still managed to survive enough to be brought back to life as the Pedro St. James National Historic Site. 

For more information on Pedro St. James National Historic Site, please click on the following link:

Pedro Castle - Grand Cayman

 

Since we were on a cruise, we did not stay on the island.  Therefore, I can only tell you that food and lodging is available in Georgetown.