Charlotte Amalie beckons you to stroll along her cobblestone alleyways, climb her streets of steps, admire antique West Indian furnishings in historic homes, and explore 17th-century Danish fortifications. Founded in 1681 by Danish settlers, it contains a wealth of buildings that provide a glimpse into colonial life. It is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places as an area of particular historic interest.
Often referred to as “Downtown” or just “Town”, Charlotte Amalie today is a bustling center for government, schools, offices, shopping, and residences! Visit old and new Charlotte Amalie; see the evolution from a colonial trading post to one of the busiest duty-free ports in the Caribbean!
The Main Areas of Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie is divided into three quarters: Kongens (King’s) Quarter, Dronningens (Queen’s) Quarter and Kronprindsens (Crown Prince’s) Quarter. They share similarities, like the use of step-streets, but each has a unique character. All three quarters contain historically significant buildings. Some of the best preserved and most accessible are located in a small area of Kongens Quarter and in the commercial area along Main Street in Dronningens Quarter.
99 Steps
Town
Charlotte Amalie is unique for step streets, or frigangs as the Danes called them. These steps were built in the mid 1700s. Dozens of step streets cut through nearly...
Blackbeard's Castle & Walking Tour
Town
Blackbeard’s Castle and five historic townhouses are part of a walking tour. While the name references pirate Blackbeard the structure is actually the remains of Skytsborg, built around 1674-1680...
Rothschild Francis Square (Market Square)
Town
Commonly called Market Square, it has served as a produce market and community meeting venue for nearly two centuries. When the square was established is uncertain but it appears...
Charlotte Amalie Harbor
Town
St. Thomas' beautiful natural harbor welcomed the first settlers to the island and today it welcomes millions of visitors. Piers once dotted the waterfront area providing landing and loading...
Three Queens Fountain
Town
The Three Queens fountain was unveiled in 2005 and commemorates three historically important women: Queen Mary, Queen Agnes and Queen Josiah. These women led a successful 1878 insurrection against...
Legislature Building
Town
The two-story Legislature Building houses the offices of the Virgin Islands Legislature. The original building was a wooden structure erected in 1828 as barracks for Danish police. The present...
Main Street
Town
Main Street or Dronningens Gade (Danish name meaning Queen’s Street) is the main street running through Charlotte Amalie. The buildings on the south side of Main Street are long,...
Fort Christian
Town
Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands, was designated a National Historical Landmark in 1977. The imposing fort with walls 3 to 6 feet thick was...
Lutheran Church
Town
The Lutheran Church is identifiable by its pretty yellow-gold color and its large 'welcoming arms' staircase. The initial congregation was founded in 1666 by Danish minister Kjeld Jensen who...
Government House (Charlotte Amalie)
Town
Government House is a neoclassical, gracious 3 story white building with beautifully intricate ironwork along the balconies. Built between 1865 and 1867, it is a perfect example of the...
Emancipation Park
Town
Emancipation Park was named in commemoration of the July 3rd, 1848 emancipation of slaves in the Danish West Indies. On the west side of the park is a conch...
St. Thomas Synagogue
Town
Officially named Beracha Veshalom Vegimulth Hasidim, meaning Blessing and Peace and Loving Deeds, the synagogue was constructed in 1833 in the same location as former smaller synagogues. It is...
St. Thomas (formerly Dutch) Reformed Church
Town
This beautiful church is well known for its large columns and classical revival style architecture. The front of the building imitates a Roman temple. In the past it was...
St. Thomas Historical Trust Mini Museum
Town
The St. Thomas Historical Trust’s mission is to identify, protect, and preserve the historical identity, structures, sites and cultural heritage of St. Thomas through education, advocacy and promotion. Their...
Emancipation Garden Post Office
Town
The Alvaro de Lugo Post Office (or Emancipation Garden Post Office) was constructed between 1937 and 1938, replacing an existing post office building. Stop by and mail post cards...
