DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

St. Joseph's Parish Church

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
—°3
St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)

Weather…

St. Joseph's Parish Church is widely considered to have one of the most beautiful settings of any church in Barbados. Perched high on Horse Hill, the current Anglican church was built in 1839 after the previous wooden structure was leveled by the Great Hurricane of 1831. Constructed from sturdy local limestone, the building stands as a testament to the community's resilience against the elements. Its primary draw for visitors is the unparalleled panoramic view from its grounds, looking out over the verdant hills of the Scotland District and the crashing Atlantic waves of the east coast near Bathsheba. The interior is simple and dignified, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere that reflects the rural character of the parish. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and the quiet village of Horse Hill, the church is a well-suited stop for those exploring the island's more rugged and scenic side, offering both a spiritual retreat and a magnificent vantage point.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626272828282828282827
Rain mm34191928527274959813210749

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The church is usually open during services, but the exterior with Atlantic views is accessible anytime. Visitors should be respectful if prayer is ongoing inside.
🕒
Typical hours
Opening hours follow the service schedule; on weekdays the church is often closed. On Sundays it opens about 30 minutes before the service.
📷
Photography
Indoor photography is usually allowed but without flash during mass. The panoramic view from the hillside to the Atlantic coast is a dream for landscape photographers.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow 20-30 minutes for the church visit. For the view and some photos, add another half hour.
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with a stop at nearby Bathsheba Beach, famous for its huge rocks and surfers. The Scotland District is also easily explored from here.
🧭
Getting there
The church is located off Highway 3 and is easily reached by car. Parking is available on the roadside or on a small gravel lot.
💡
Insider tip
Come early in the morning to see the soft light on the coral stone and enjoy the quiet. The 1839 building is one of the finest Georgian examples in Barbados.

Geography

Coordinates
13.20470, -59.53140

Facts

  • Founded in 1640
  • Current building completed in 1839
  • Bell tower height: 25 meters
  • Henry Willis organ installed in 1887
  • Walls built from local coral limestone
  • Oldest grave dated to c. 1650

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Andrews Sugar FactoryAndrews Sugar Factory<1 km · EExplore →
Lemon ArbourLemon Arbour2 km · WExplore →
Shorey VillageShorey Village2 km · SEExplore →
Blackman FieldBlackman Field2 km · NExplore →
Hunte's GardensHunte's Gardens2 km · SExplore →
Orchid WorldOrchid World3 km · WExplore →
Long PondLong Pond3 km · SEExplore →
Four Cross RoadsFour Cross Roads4 km · NWExplore →

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. Joseph's Parish Church (3)

Saint Joseph, Barbados📍 landmark

A parish on the east coast of Barbados featuring steep cliffs.

Bathsheba, Barbados📍 landmark

A coastal village with a famous surfing beach and rock formations.

Joes River📍 landmark

A river in eastern Barbados that flows into the ocean.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Does the church offer a good view?
Yes, it overlooks the hilly landscape of Saint Joseph and the Atlantic Ocean.
When was it built?
The current stone structure dates from 1839.
Is it easy to reach?
It is reached via winding roads in the parish of Saint Joseph.
What is the architectural style?
It is built in a simple Gothic style.
Are there restrooms there?
Public restrooms are often not freely available at churches.
St. Joseph's Parish Church: where is it located?
St. Joseph's Parish Church is located in Barbados.
St. Joseph's Parish Church: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Joseph, Barbados, Bathsheba, Barbados, Joes River.
St. Joseph's Parish Church: 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
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America

Nearby cities

Hothersal Turning — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Hothersal Turning
Hothersal Turning is a busy suburb on the outskirts of Bridgetown.
Haggatt Hall — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Haggatt Hall
Haggatt Hall is a busy traffic hub and shopping area on the outskirts of Bridgetown.
Warrens — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Warrens
Warrens is a major business and commercial district in the parish of Saint Michael.
Clermont — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Clermont
Clermont is a residential neighborhood in the parish of Saint Michael.
Saint Simons — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Saint Simons
Saint Simons is a small village in the parish of Saint Andrew.
Hillaby — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Hillaby
Hillaby is a village in the highlands of Barbados.
Welchman Hall — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Welchman Hall
Welchman Hall is a village in the central highlands of Barbados.
Bloomsbury — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is a remote village in the parish of Saint Thomas.
Saint Silas — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Saint Silas
Saint Silas is a community in the parish of Saint James.
🗺️
Boarded Hall
Boarded Hall is a village on the border of Saint George and Christ Church.
Bentleys — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Bentleys
Bentleys is a village in the parish of Christ Church.
Coverley — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Coverley
Coverley is a modern planned town in the parish of Christ Church.
Newton Terrace — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Newton Terrace
Newton Terrace is an established residential area in the parish of Christ Church.
Charnocks — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Charnocks
Charnocks is a community in the parish of Christ Church, bordering the airport grounds.
Oistins — St. Joseph's Parish Church (Barbados)
Oistins
Oistins is a major coastal town in the south of Barbados.