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St. Augustine's Monastery

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Historical site
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St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)

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St. Augustine’s Monastery in Nassau is a striking architectural gem designed by the renowned architect and priest John Hawes, also known as Father Jerome. Built in the 1940s on a prominent hilltop, the monastery stands out for its unique style, blending Romanesque and Gothic elements with local Bahamian limestone construction. Father Jerome, who designed several other iconic churches throughout the Bahamas, envisioned this space as a sanctuary of peace and contemplation for the Benedictine Order. The monastery played a pivotal role in the island's educational history, as the monks founded St. Augustine’s College in 1945, which has since grown into one of the nation's premier secondary schools. The complex includes a magnificent chapel, cloisters, and residential quarters, all harmoniously integrated into the lush tropical surroundings. A visit provides insight into monastic traditions and the chance to appreciate one of the most significant works of religious architecture in the Caribbean.

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
St. Augustine's Monastery in Nassau is a Benedictine monastery with great religious and educational historical significance. The monastery grounds and chapel can usually be visited.
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Typical hours
Opening hours are limited and follow monastic routine. Typically the grounds are open on weekday mornings, afternoons by appointment only.
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Photography
Photography on the grounds is generally allowed, but not during services. Please respect the monks' quiet and privacy.
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Time needed
Allow about 1 hour for visiting the monastery and chapel. The compound is compact, but the history is rich.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with other historic sites in Nassau, such as Fort Charlotte. Nearby Parliament Square is also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The monastery is located in Nassau and can be reached by taxi or rental car. Public buses run nearby, but a taxi is more convenient.
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Insider tip
Call ahead to inquire about current visiting hours. Guided tours are sometimes offered, providing deeper insight into the monastery's history.

Geography

Coordinates
25.05000, -77.40000

Facts

  • The monastery was designed by the priest-architect Father Jerome (John Hawes).
  • Construction of the complex officially began in 1945.
  • It was established as a home for the Benedictine monks.
  • The monks founded St. Augustine's College on the site in 1945.
  • The architecture features massive limestone quarried directly from the hill.
  • Father Jerome was a professional architect in London before joining the priesthood.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Baha Mar ResortBaha Mar Resort<1 km · NEExplore →
Carmichael Road Business ParkCarmichael Road Business Park1 km · SExplore →
Harrold and Wilson Ponds National ParkHarrold and Wilson Ponds National Park2 km · NExplore →
Clifton Pier Industrial ZoneClifton Pier Industrial Zone3 km · SExplore →
Ocean Atlas StatueOcean Atlas Statue4 km · NExplore →
New Providence Coppice ForestsNew Providence Coppice Forests6 km · SExplore →
St. Francis Xavier CathedralSt. Francis Xavier Cathedral6 km · NExplore →
Lynden Pindling Cargo AreaLynden Pindling Cargo Area7 km · SExplore →

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 in the town St. Augustine's Monastery (3)

Lake Cunningham (Bahamas)📍 landmark

A large freshwater lake on New Providence island, Bahamas. Used for water sports and recreation.

New Providence📍 landmark

The most populous island of the Bahamas. It hosts the capital city Nassau.

Baha Mar📍 landmark

A large resort and casino complex on the north coast of New Providence.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the monastery?
Yes, visitors are welcome in the public areas and the chapel.
Where is it located?
In Nassau, Bahamas; it was designed by the architect-monk Fra Jerome.
Are there guided tours?
There are no fixed tours, but you can often speak with the monks.
What is special about the architecture?
Unique style made of local limestone, blending European and Caribbean elements.
When is the chapel open?
Mostly during the day for prayer and quiet reflection.
St. Augustine's Monastery: where is it located?
St. Augustine's Monastery is located in Bahamas.
St. Augustine's Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lake Cunningham (Bahamas), New Providence, Baha Mar.
St. Augustine's Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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History & landmarks

Baha Mar Resort — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Baha Mar Resort
A massive hotel and casino complex dominating the Cable Beach skyline.
Ocean Atlas Statue — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Ocean Atlas Statue
The largest underwater sculpture in the world, depicting a local Bahamian girl.
Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium
The primary sports stadium of the Bahamas, often the venue for international track and field events.
Kendal G. L. Isaacs National Gymnasium — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Kendal G. L. Isaacs National Gymnasium
A multi-purpose indoor arena in Nassau hosting sporting and cultural events.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral
The first Catholic church built in the Bahamas, featuring impressive Gothic architecture.
Villa Doyle — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Villa Doyle
An impressive historic mansion that today houses the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.
Gregory&#39;s Arch — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Gregory's Arch
A stone arch that forms a picturesque boundary between downtown and the 'Over-the-Hill' settlement.
Straw Market Nassau — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Straw Market Nassau
A famous open-air market in Nassau for handmade straw goods.

Nature

Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Harrold and Wilson Ponds National Park
An important wetland area on New Providence, designated as a vital habitat for water birds.

More places

Carmichael Road Business Park — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Carmichael Road Business Park
A growing commercial area with warehouses and service providers.
Wade&#39;s Green Plantation — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Wade's Green Plantation
The best-preserved Loyalist plantation in The Bahamas, offering a glimpse into 18th-century agricultural life.
Bonefish Pond National Park — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Bonefish Pond National Park
An important coastal wetland on New Providence that serves as a vital nursery for marine fish and invertebrates.
Carmichael Slave Graveyard — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Carmichael Slave Graveyard
A historic burial ground that served as the final resting place for slaves from plantations in the Carmichael area.
Clifton Pier Industrial Zone — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Clifton Pier Industrial Zone
An industrial area with storage, transfer, and small workshops.
Cowpen Road Industrial Strip — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Cowpen Road Industrial Strip
A stretch of workshops, depots, and trading businesses in the city.
Primeval Forest National Park — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Primeval Forest National Park
A remarkably untouched old-growth hardwood forest on New Providence, featuring dramatic karst formations.
Playground near Fort Charlotte — St. Augustine's Monastery (Bahamas)
Playground near Fort Charlotte
A public playground near the historic Fort Charlotte, providing an area for children to play after exploring the fort.