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Charlotte Amalie Walking Tour + Contemporary Art Experience
5.0
3 Ratings
Charlotte Amalie
Immerse yourself in the artistic and architectural wonders of Historic Charlotte Amalie on a walking tour with 81C. Explore public art, historic details, and daily life, culminating in a private art exhibition reception at 81C’s gallery space.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Government House - Government House is a neoclassical, elegant three-story white building adorned with intricate ironwork on the balconies. Constructed between 1865 and 1867, it exemplifies the grandeur of official buildings from the Danish colonial era. You can admire its exterior and visit the lobby, which features display boards of the islands’ governors (Danish, Naval, and Civilian), two small paintings by renowned Impressionist artist Camille Pissarro, and three murals by Italian-American artist Peppino Margravite.
- Fort Christian - The 81C Town Tour includes access to Fort Christian, a fort built by the Dano-Norwegians in Charlotte Amalie. Constructed between 1672 and 1680, the fort was a crucial defense and government point throughout the Dano-Norwegian and later Danish administration, which ended in 1917 when the islands were sold to the United States.
- 99 Steps - Charlotte Amalie is known for its step streets, or frigangs as the Danes called them, built in the mid-1700s. These steps cut through nearly all the hills rising from the Charlotte Amalie harbor area, with the 99 steps being the most popular and likely the most photographed. The picturesque stairway, adorned with colorful flowers, is a favorite photo spot. The bricks used in the steps were brought from Denmark as ballast in sailing ships. Originally named Store Taarne Gade, meaning Greater Tower Street, the 99 steps actually consist of 103 steps.
- Emancipation Garden - This park was established to commemorate the emancipation of slaves on July 3, 1848. It features a commemorative plaque, a bronze bust of a freed slave blowing a conch shell, and a replica of the Liberty Bell. The park is surrounded by historical buildings, including the Emancipation Garden Post Office and Government House.
- Grand Hotel - Opened in downtown Charlotte Amalie in 1841, the Grand Hotel was once one of the island’s premier hotels, hosting many lavish parties due to its prime location and stylish interior.
- Market Square - In the 18th century, Market Square was one of the busiest slave markets in the West Indies. Officially named Rothschild Francis Square, it later became a popular spot for islanders to sell and buy fresh produce, fish, sauces, and vegetables. Its main landmark, an imposing cast iron bungalow built in the early 20th century, is where vendors set up. Saturday is traditionally the busiest market day, with vendors arriving hours before dawn. Tourists visiting Market Square on Saturday mornings will find it reminiscent of farmers markets worldwide.
- Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church - This church is recognizable by its yellow-gold color and large ‘welcoming arms’ staircase. Founded in 1666 by Danish minister Kjeld Jensen, the first services were held in planters’ and soldiers’ homes, and later in Fort Christian. The original sanctuary opened in 1793, replacing two earlier buildings destroyed by fire. It was refurbished in 1826 and again in 1870. Still in use today, it is the oldest church building on St. Thomas and the second oldest Lutheran Church building in the Western Hemisphere.
- Waterfront Highway - Located in the Charlotte Amalie Harbor, the waterfront was constructed in the mid-1950s by the US Navy. It features 3,200 feet of bulkhead space running parallel to the St. Thomas shopping district and can accommodate yachts, luxury vessels, mini-cruise ships, and cruise ship tenders. The draft alongside the Waterfront ranges from four to 14 feet.
- Three Queens Statue - Unveiled in 2005, the Three Queens fountain commemorates three historically significant women: Queen Mary, Queen Agnes, and Queen Josiah. These women led the successful 1878 insurrection known as the “Fireburn” against the Danish Government, demanding better working and living conditions and wages. The sculpture, created by American artist Richard Hallier, depicts the women in mid-1800s attire, holding a lantern, a harvesting tool, and a flambeaux (torch).
- The Creative Native - A local art gallery.
- Zora of St. Thomas - Zora is a sandalmaker over 90 years old.
- 81C - Contemporary Art Gallery Experience.
- Haagensen House - A museum.
- Alvaro de Lugo United States Post Office - Features artwork murals inside the post office.
What's Included
- Historic Walking Tour
- Complimentary fine wines (18+) at the conclusion of tour inside 81C, our event venue and art gallery
- Tea and coffee
- Fine Art Gallery Tour
Additional Information
Guests will experience public art, historic curiosities, architecture, notable buildings / structures, + witness daily life along a unique route, culminating in a visit to 81C, an 1810 rum warehouse featuring a contemporary art gallery + coffee/wine bar. Guests receive a complimentary drink.
Join us for a walking-tour-social, featuring past, present, and future reflections on Charlotte Amalie, and delivering a contemporary art gallery experience finale at 81C. We have one guide, who has personally lived in town for over ten years. Joseph is knowledgable, patient, is always willing to answer questions, and thrives on sharing the details. Even indigenous flora and fauna will be identified and discussed.
Our walking tour experience is about 1 hours, concluding with a contemporary art gallery hang out, which is about 15-30 minutes, but you can stay as long as you like! Total approximate experience time is 2hrs.
Location
Fort Christian
The 81C Town Tour begins at Fort Christian, across from Vendor's Plaza at the head of Main Street. A very convenient location.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(3 Ratings)
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1 star
Jonathan_k
May 21, 2024
Great fun - Tour guide was super friendly and very knowledgeable. I had so much fun going around the town looking at all the sites and the artwork at the end was super cool.
Review provided by Viator
Janete2013
May 15, 2024
A must do St. Thomas experience - Joseph did a fantastic tour. We got insight into the history, the architecture, and the art. I will recommend this tour to everyone I know going to Saint Thomas. It’s a must do with Joseph.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tonyw76
Mar 8, 2024
A Uniquely Rewarding Introduction to Charlotte Amalie - In my experience, guided walking tours have always provided excellent introductions to new places. That was especially true with the 81C Town Tour in Charlotte Amalie. Joseph proved to be an exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging guide. The walk was most enjoyable, including many points of interest and plentiful photo opportunities while he explained the fascinating local history, culture and architecture. The final portion of the tour at the 81C art gallery was a unique touch. It’s an extremely cool venue with excellent coffee (we went in the morning, so I didn’t try the wine). I particularly appreciated Joseph’s insights into the works on display and the artists who created them. Overall, the tour provided me with a wonderful appreciation of Charlotte Amelie far beyond what I would have obtained on my own. It has my highest recommendation!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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