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Hermitage Tomb
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Landmark
The Hermitage is a small, medieval-style monastery and tomb located at the summit of Mount Alvernia on Cat Island, the highest point in the Bahamas at 63 meters. Built in 1939 by Monsignor John Hawes, an English architect and priest known as Father Jerome, the structure was constructed entirely by hand using local limestone. The site consists of a miniature chapel, a bell tower, and living quarters, all designed in a Romanesque style that reflects Hawes's dedication to simplicity and solitude. Hawes spent his final years as a hermit on the mountain, and upon his death in 1956, he was buried in a small, plain tomb within the complex according to his wishes. The ascent to the Hermitage features stone-carved Stations of the Cross, providing a meditative experience for visitors who climb the narrow steps to reach the peak. From the summit, one can enjoy panoramic 360-degree views of Cat Island’s lush interior and the surrounding Atlantic waters, making it one of the most spiritually and visually significant landmarks in the archipelago.
- Location: Bahamas
- Nearby: Alexandria (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 24 | 17 | 19 | 31 | 85 | 87 | 60 | 65 | 89 | 98 | 50 | 24 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
This historic tomb and the surrounding ruins offer a poignant glimpse into the island's Loyalist plantation era, allowing visitors to walk right up to the stone structures set amidst the encroaching local vegetation. It is completely open to the elements and the public.
Typical hours
As an unattended historical ruin located in a fairly open setting, it can generally be visited at any time during daylight hours. It is highly advisable to visit earlier in the morning to avoid the intense heat and the insects that become more active later in the afternoon.
Photography
The contrast between the weathered stone of the tomb and the bustling green of the surrounding Bahamian brush provides excellent opportunities for evocative and slightly mysterious landscape photography. The natural light filtering through the trees adds to the serene mood.
Time needed
Visitors typically spend only about fifteen to thirty minutes at this site, as it consists primarily of the main tomb and some scattered foundation ruins. It is a very brief but worthwhile detour for history buffs exploring the less developed parts of Little Exuma.
Combine with
Combine this quiet historical stop with a sun-drenched afternoon relaxing on the wide-open sands of nearby Tropic of Cancer Beach, which is just a short drive away. Stopping for some local Bahamian cuisine at a nearby seaside settlement completes the itinerary perfectly.
Getting there
Locating the tomb requires navigating somewhat rugged and occasionally unpaved side roads on Exuma, so a sturdy rental car is highly recommended for the journey. Keep a sharp eye out for small, understated local signs pointing the way through the thick vegetation.
Insider tip
Given the overgrown nature of the surrounding brush, it is highly advisable to wear long pants and apply a generous amount of insect repellent to ward off local sandflies and mosquitoes. Watch your step around the old stones, as the ground can be quite uneven and hidden.
Geography
Facts
- Located atop Mount Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas (63m).
- Built in 1939 by architect and priest John Hawes (Father Jerome).
- Constructed entirely by hand using local limestone and cement.
- The site includes a small chapel and a manual bell tower.
- Father Jerome is buried in a simple tomb within the complex (d. 1956).
- Accessible via a stone staircase featuring the Stations of the Cross.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Hermitage Tomb (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Hermitage tomb located?
It is located on the summit of Mount Alvernia on Cat Island, the highest point in the Bahamas.
Who built the Hermitage?
It was built by Father Jerome, a Catholic priest and architect, in the 1940s.
How difficult is the climb?
The climb up the rock-hewn steps is moderate but requires sturdy footwear.
Is there an entrance fee?
Access to the Hermitage is free and open to visitors at any time.
What can you see from the summit?
You have a spectacular 360-degree view over the entire island and the turquoise sea.
Hermitage Tomb: where is it located?
Hermitage Tomb is located in Bahamas.
Hermitage Tomb: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Hermitage Tomb: why is it worth visiting?
The Hermitage is a small, medieval-style monastery and tomb located at the summit of Mount Alvernia on Cat Island, the highest point in the Bahamas at 63 meters.
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