The museum is situated on the site of the legendary musician's home, which he purchased in 1975. This house, featuring 19th-century architecture, was Marley's home until his death in 1981. It was converted into a museum six years later. The main museum displays Marley's personal treasures. The property also features a well-equipped 80-seat theater, a gallery, and a gift shop selling T-shirts, posters and CDs.
Since its inception in 1974, the National Gallery of Jamaica has been the representative and preserver of Jamaican art. First established in #Devon House, it moved to its present location after eight years. There are eight permanent exhibitions, including a pre-20th-century collection of historical artifacts that can be traced back to before the 1400s. There is also an international collection containing works from various countries.
This offshore island lies south of the mainland and is a popular spot with the local yachtsmen. With its beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear waters, it has also become a popular destination for group outings. Whether you're skinny-dipping, swimming or just lazing on the beach, a day spent on the cay is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
As the pirate capital of the New World, Port Royal was labeled as 'The wickedest city in Christendom'. The bustling city sank beneath the waves during the devastating earthquake of 1692 but left just enough evidence to tell its story. Silent cannons still keep watch over Fort Charles as they did under the command of Admiral Lord Nelson. An array of precious artifacts have been recovered since the incident and are displayed in the Port Royal Archaeological and Historical Museum. Today, tourists flock here from all over the globe to witness the remnants of a bygone era that only lives on through Hollywood flocks and fiction novels.
Jamaica's longest mountain range ascends high above lush plantain groves and the four parishes that skirt its foothills – Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary and St. Andrew. The summit of Blue Mountain Peak forms the topmost crest of the titular mountain range, towering at an altitude of 2256 meters (7402 feet) above the range's smaller peaks. Thick swirls of clouds descend to meet the mountains from their heavenly realm, shrouding the mountain range in a blue color gradient that lends it its poetic title. The mountains represent one of the oldest features of the Jamaican landscape, having risen from the folds of the earth somewhere during the Cretaceous Period nearly 65 million years ago. Today, its verdant slopes are home to the world's second-largest butterfly and a wealth of endemic flora that carpets its sides in cheerful bloom. The mountains also contribute a great deal to Jamaica's famous coffee economy. The widely marketed Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is cultivated on the mountain's middle reaches, while its topmost reaches are cloaked in overgrown woodlands.
Emancipation Park is characterized by well-paved pathways, tropical plants and flower beds. Walkers and joggers head here in the morning to exercise on the jogging tracks, while the dewy green lawns sparkle under the glow of golden incandescent lights at night. This park was built as a symbol of liberation and its highlight is the large, albeit controversial, sculpture Redemption Song at the park entrance. This 3.35-meter (11-foot) sculpture has two statues made of bronze. They represent a nude female and a nude male figure looking up at the sky in hope of emancipation. The park is a popular venue for concerts, performances, exhibitions and other large-scale events.
This place of worship, founded in the 1950s, is still going strong with a devout congregation and a strong fellowship group. It seats 400 persons at its maximum capacity. Visitors are welcome. Services: 8am, 9am Sun. Bible study: 5:30pm Wed. Youth Fellowship: 6:30pm Fri. Friends of Trinity: 5:30 Mon.
The first of the Nazarene denomination churches in Jamaica was started in 1966 with 44 charter members, and was known as the Cross Roads Church of the Nazarene. Sir Clifford Campbell, Jamaica's first native Governor General, and his wife were present at the first service. The building was completed in 1970; its beauty is a beacon to many. The church boasts a prayer room and library. The front facade is covered with masterfully cut and laid sea stones of varying colours. The doors of the church are open to all.
The Jamaica Music Museum (JAMM) is under the purview of the Institute of Jamaica. It is a repository for preserving Jamaica's rich musical heritage, especially compositions in genres like reggae. Visitors can also listen to record of less famous genres, and view the instruments, artifacts and letters of Jamaican musicians such as Bob Marley. Here, you can discover unknown musicians and their work through old photographs and recordings.
Nestled in the quiet district of Guanaboa Vale is Jamaica's earliest cave paintings. To reach this historic site, go to Cudjoe Hill to find a guide authorized by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. The trip to the cave includes climbing a hill, but it is great fun as you play hop-scotch on the boulders as you cross the Mountain River. The path leading to the cave is lined with tropical fruits, breadfruit, cocoa, etc. The paintings are on the ceilings, depicting birds, frogs and tall human-like beings with bird heads. After visiting the caves, have a picnic by the river, much like those long ago artists. To arrange visits contact the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. The visit is free of cost.
Tuff Gong is a recording studio which was originally owned by Bob Marley and is currently run by his family. The studio is a popular tourist attraction in Kingston, visited by fans of the king of reggae from around the globe. The studio possesses one of the largest collections of reggae music in the Caribbean, distributing records in partnership with Universal Music and Warner Music. They also have have a variety of trademark Bob Marley collectibles, coffee and House of Marley headsets.
The original synagogue was built in 1885, but was partially destroyed in the 1907 earthquake. The rebuilding was competed in 1912, when the round front was changed to its present oval shape. The only remaining synagogue in Jamaica, it also houses the Jewish Institute, where some historical artifacts can still be seen—they include a 300-year-old Torah and photographs. Visitors are welcome, but must ask the caretaker to open the building. Call ahead for hours.