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Parliament Square

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Historical site
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Parliament Square (Bahamas)

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Parliament Square, situated in the heart of downtown Nassau, is the principal seat of government in the Bahamas and a premier example of Loyalist colonial architecture. The complex of distinctive flamingo-pink buildings was constructed between 1805 and 1813 to house the House of Assembly, the Senate, and administrative offices. The square's layout was heavily influenced by the architecture of New Bern, North Carolina, reflecting the cultural heritage of the American Loyalists who migrated to the islands following the Revolutionary War. A prominent white marble statue of Queen Victoria, erected in 1905 in honor of her Diamond Jubilee, dominates the central plaza, signifying the islands' historic ties to the United Kingdom. To the rear of the square stands the Supreme Court building, completing the civic ensemble. Parliament Square remains the focus of Bahamian political life and ceremonial traditions, hosting state functions and parades that maintain the nation's democratic heritage established since 1973.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232323252628292929282524
Rain mm383340611271621301541641196840

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Parliament Square in Nassau is a public square with pink colonial buildings - freely accessible at all times. The surrounding government buildings can be viewed from outside; interior visits are usually only possible on official days.
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Typical hours
The square itself is open 24/7. Government building hours are typically weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but may vary by office.
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Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere on Parliament Square, the pink façades making popular shots. Be mindful of any security notices when photographing government buildings.
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Time needed
A stroll around the square and photos take 20-30 minutes. If you also examine the surrounding buildings, allow about 45 minutes.
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Combine with
Nearby are the Straw Market and the Pirates of Nassau Museum. The Government House is also just a short walk away.
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Getting there
Parliament Square is in central Nassau, within walking distance of the port and major hotels. It is easily reached by taxi, bus, or on foot.
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Insider tip
Visit the square in the late afternoon when the light highlights the pink façades beautifully. Don't forget to peek at the adjacent government building, which is sometimes open to the public.

Geography

Coordinates
25.07600, -77.34000

Facts

  • The buildings were constructed between 1805 and 1813.
  • The architecture mirrors Loyalist styles from North Carolina.
  • The pink exterior reflects the flamingo color typical of government buildings.
  • A statue of Queen Victoria was erected in the square in 1905.
  • It serves as the meeting place for the Bahamian House of Assembly.
  • The square is a central hub for official civic ceremonies.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Supreme Court of the BahamasSupreme Court of the Bahamas<1 km · SEExplore →
Kendal G. L. Isaacs National GymnasiumKendal G. L. Isaacs National Gymnasium2 km · SExplore →
Saint Matthew's Anglican ChurchSaint Matthew's Anglican Church2 km · NExplore →
The CloistersThe Cloisters3 km · NExplore →
Cowpen Road Industrial StripCowpen Road Industrial Strip4 km · SExplore →
Sea Lions at Blue Lagoon IslandSea Lions at Blue Lagoon Island6 km · NExplore →
Baha Mar ResortBaha Mar Resort6 km · SExplore →
Wade's Green PlantationWade's Green Plantation7 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Parliament Square (3)

Nassau Public Library📍 landmark

A colonial-style building on Parliament Square, housing a public library.

Bahamian Parliament Building📍 landmark

The seat of the Bahamian parliament on Parliament Square, a building with a columned facade.

Bay Street (Nassau)📍 landmark

The main commercial street of Nassau, running along the harbor and crossing Parliament Square.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which buildings are in Parliament Square?
The House of Assembly, the Senate, and the Supreme Court of the Bahamas.
Can you enter the buildings?
Only during public sessions or with special permission.
Why are the buildings pink?
This is the traditional color for government buildings from the colonial era.
Whose statue stands in the middle?
A statue of Queen Victoria, which was erected there in 1905.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings, to experience the bustle of downtown Nassau.
Parliament Square: where is it located?
Parliament Square is located in Bahamas.
Parliament Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include Nassau Public Library, Bahamian Parliament Building, Bay Street (Nassau).
Parliament Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Parliament Square: why is it worth visiting?
Parliament Square, situated in the heart of downtown Nassau, is the principal seat of government in the Bahamas and a premier example of Loyalist colonial architecture.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Shirley Street Post Office — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Shirley Street Post Office
A prominent government building that provided postal services for the downtown area.
Royal Victoria Hotel Ruins — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Royal Victoria Hotel Ruins
The remains of the Bahamas' first luxury hotel, built during the American Civil War.
Supreme Court of the Bahamas — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Supreme Court of the Bahamas
A classic colonial building serving as the highest judicial center of the Bahamas.
Queen&#39;s Staircase — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Queen's Staircase
A historic staircase in Nassau, carved out of solid limestone and featuring 66 steps.
Fort Fincastle — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Fort Fincastle
A historic fort on Bennet's Hill, shaped like a paddle-wheel steamer.
Rawson Square — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Rawson Square
The center of downtown Nassau, often the gateway for cruise ship passengers.
Nassau Cenotaph — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Nassau Cenotaph
A war memorial in Nassau dedicated to Bahamians who fell in both World Wars.
Gregory&#39;s Arch — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Gregory's Arch
A stone arch that forms a picturesque boundary between downtown and the 'Over-the-Hill' settlement.

More places

Balcony House Museum — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Balcony House Museum
The oldest surviving wooden residential structure in Nassau.
Chancery Lane Ruins — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Chancery Lane Ruins
The remains of old colonial buildings along a narrow lane in the heart of Nassau.
Pirates of Nassau Museum — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Pirates of Nassau Museum
An interactive museum for kids and adults that recreates the golden age of piracy in The Bahamas.
Three Queens Statue — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Three Queens Statue
A statue in Nassau honoring three important queens in British and Bahamian history.
Graycliff Chocolatier — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Graycliff Chocolatier
A chocolate factory in Nassau where kids and adults can take tours and learn to make their own chocolate creations.
Prince George Wharf — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Prince George Wharf
The main cruise pier in Nassau Harbour.
Vendue House — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Vendue House
Former marketplace, now the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation.
Nassau Water Tower — Parliament Square (Bahamas)
Nassau Water Tower
A historic water tower adjacent to Fort Fincastle that once supplied water to the city.