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The Hermitage on Cat Island

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Historical site
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The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)

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The Hermitage on Cat Island is a unique religious sanctuary perched atop Mt. Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas at 206 feet (63 meters). It was built in 1939 by Father Jerome (born John Hawes), a priest and skilled architect who sought a life of solitude. The site is a miniature monastery constructed in a Romanesque-Mediterranean style, meticulously handcrafted by Hawes using local stone. The complex includes a small chapel, a bell tower, and modest living quarters for a hermit. Father Jerome resided there in ascetic seclusion until his passing in 1956. The steep climb to the summit features stone carvings representing the Stations of the Cross, also created by Hawes. Beyond its spiritual significance, the Hermitage is an architectural marvel that blends seamlessly with the natural terrain, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Cat Island and the surrounding ocean.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232424252628282929282625
Rain mm31252543921028193110935830

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Hermitage on Cat Island is a hand-built monastery on the highest point in the Bahamas. It can be visited, accessed via a hiking trail.
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Typical hours
The monastery is usually accessible during the day, as it is maintained by an order. There is no fixed schedule; visitors are asked to respect the quiet.
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Photography
Photography is allowed but discretion should be exercised. The view from the top of Mount Alvernia is panoramic and a must for any photo album.
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Time needed
The ascent and visit take about one hour. Those who want to take it slowly should plan for two hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with exploring Cat Island's coastline, especially the beaches. The historic town of Arthur's Town is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
The Hermitage is located south of Arthur's Town on Cat Island. A rental car is necessary; the hiking trail starts at a small parking area off the road.
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Insider tip
Wear appropriate hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. The climb is steep, but the panoramic view of the island and sea makes it all worthwhile.

Geography

Coordinates
24.29500, -75.51800

Facts

  • Built in 1939 by architect-priest Father Jerome
  • Located on Mt. Alvernia at 206 feet (63 meters) elevation
  • Marks the highest natural point in the entire Bahamas
  • Hand-constructed using local limestone and cement
  • Designed in a Romanesque-Mediterranean architectural style
  • Father Jerome lived there as a hermit until his death in 1956

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bain TownBain Town2 km · NExplore →
BurrowsBurrows3 km · EExplore →
Hawks NestHawks Nest4 km · SWExplore →
Cat Island's Central RidgeCat Island's Central Ridge4 km · NExplore →
Subsistence Farming on Cat IslandSubsistence Farming on Cat Island6 km · NExplore →
New BightNew Bight8 km · NExplore →
Port HowePort Howe9 km · NWExplore →
GaitorsGaitors11 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Hermitage?
At the summit of Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas.
Who built it?
Father Jerome built it in 1939 as a stone retreat.
How difficult is the path?
A short, steep footpath leads up; steady footing is required.
What do you see at the top?
The tiny chapel and a 360-degree view over Cat Island.
Is entry free?
Yes, the site is open to the public and free to visit at any time.
The Hermitage on Cat Island: where is it located?
The Hermitage on Cat Island is located in Bahamas.
The Hermitage on Cat Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
The Hermitage on Cat Island: why is it worth visiting?
The Hermitage on Cat Island is a unique religious sanctuary perched atop Mt.
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Nearby cities

Arthur's Town — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Arthur's Town
The childhood home of Sidney Poitier, located on Cat Island.
Bain Town — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Bain Town
A small community on Cat Island.
Burrows — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Burrows
A very small settlement on Cat Island.
Hawks Nest — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Hawks Nest
A small resort community in the south of Cat Island.
Smith's Bay — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Smith's Bay
A settlement on Cat Island with administrative facilities.
New Bight — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
New Bight
The capital of Cat Island, featuring an airport.
Port Howe — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Port Howe
A historic settlement on Cat Island.
Gaitors — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Gaitors
A small community in central Cat Island.
Old Bight — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Old Bight
One of the largest settlements on Cat Island.
Bennetts Harbour — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Bennetts Harbour
A small harbor settlement on Cat Island.
Orange Creek — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Orange Creek
A settlement in northern Cat Island.

More places

Cat Island's Central Ridge — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Cat Island's Central Ridge
The hilly ridge forming the spine of Cat Island, culminating in Mount Alvernia, the nation's highest point.
Subsistence Farming on Cat Island — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Subsistence Farming on Cat Island
Many residents of Cat Island practice small-scale farming and gardening, growing traditional crops like sweet potatoes, cassava, and pige…
Lookout Tower on Cat Island — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Lookout Tower on Cat Island
An old stone tower likely used as a lookout point to monitor shipping traffic and potential invaders.
Cat Island — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Cat Island
An unspoiled island featuring the highest point in The Bahamas, Mount Alvernia.
Deveaux Plantation — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Deveaux Plantation
The ruins of a large Loyalist cotton plantation on Cat Island.
Conception Island — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Conception Island
A pristine, uninhabited island protected as a national park and a vital wildlife habitat.
Conception Island Wall — The Hermitage on Cat Island (Bahamas)
Conception Island Wall
A dramatic underwater wall that plummets into the deep off the coast of Conception Island, very popular with divers.