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Spanish Town Square

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Historical site
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Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)

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Spanish Town Square, officially renamed Emancipation Square, is the historic centerpiece of Jamaica's former capital, Spanish Town. Widely regarded as the finest example of Georgian architecture in the Western Hemisphere, it served as the political and administrative hub of the island from 1534 until 1872. The square is bordered by several significant monuments, including the Rodney Memorial, commissioned in 1801 to celebrate Admiral George Rodney’s naval victory, and the Old King’s House, which was the official residence of British governors from 1762. Also situated nearby is the Cathedral of St. Jago de la Vega, the oldest Anglican cathedral outside of the British Isles, established on the foundations of a 16th-century Spanish church. The ensemble’s design illustrates the transition from Spanish colonial rule to British dominance and serves as a poignant reminder of the era of slavery and subsequent emancipation. Today, the square remains the administrative seat for the parish of St. Catherine and a vital landmark for understanding Jamaican heritage. Despite the transfer of capital status to Kingston in 1872, the square continues to be a site of immense cultural pride.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262626272728282828282726
Rain mm3319294111189691041271708749

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Spanish Town Square is a historic plaza in the center of Spanish Town, open to all. Surrounding buildings like the cathedral and courthouse are often accessible.
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Typical hours
The square itself is accessible anytime, but the opening hours of surrounding buildings vary. Churches and public buildings are typically open during daytime; inquire locally.
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Photography
Photography of the architecture in the square is freely allowed. In some churches or government buildings, photography may be restricted; follow posted signs.
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Time needed
A walk around the square and viewing the facades takes about 20-30 minutes. If you plan to enter a museum or the cathedral, allow an hour.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Emancipation Square. The historic Old King's House ruins are also just a short walk away.
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Getting there
Spanish Town Square is located in the center of Spanish Town, about 20 km west of Kingston. It is reachable by bus or taxi; parking is available in the area.
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Insider tip
Visit the square in the morning when the light is best for photos. Ask local shopkeepers about the square's history - they often share interesting anecdotes.

History & landmarks

1534

Geography

Coordinates
17.99000, -76.95000

Facts

  • Spanish Town was founded in 1534 by the Spanish as Villa de la Vega.
  • Served as the capital of Jamaica for 338 years until 1872.
  • The Rodney Memorial was sculpted by John Bacon and erected in 1801.
  • Old King's House was completed in 1762 at a cost of 21,000 pounds.
  • The Cathedral of St. Jago de la Vega is the oldest Anglican site in the Caribbean.
  • The square was the site where the Emancipation Act was read in 1834.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Rodney Memorial, Spanish TownRodney Memorial, Spanish Town<1 km · SExplore →
Cast Iron BridgeCast Iron Bridge4 km · SExplore →
Rio Cobre RiverRio Cobre River4 km · SEExplore →
St. Catherine HillsSt. Catherine Hills6 km · SEExplore →
Hellshire HillsHellshire Hills7 km · NWExplore →
Taíno Middens at White MarlTaíno Middens at White Marl7 km · SExplore →
Brimmer Hall EstateBrimmer Hall Estate9 km · EExplore →
Fort AugustaFort Augusta9 km · NExplore →

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 Spanish Town Square (3)

Prison Oval📍 landmark

Historic prison building in Spanish Town, an example of colonial architecture.

St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre📍 landmark

Adult correctional facility in Spanish Town.

Spanish Town📍 landmark

Former capital of Jamaica, featuring colonial buildings and a central square.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Was Spanish Town formerly the capital?
Yes, it served as the capital of Jamaica from 1534 to 1872.
What is Emancipation Square?
A historic square with Georgian architecture that serves as the town center.
Can you visit the Old King's House?
The ruins of the facade still stand and are a major photographic landmark.
Is there an old cathedral there?
Yes, St. Jago de la Vega Cathedral is one of the oldest in the Caribbean.
Is Spanish Town safe for tourists?
Caution is advised; visiting with a guide or as part of a tour is recommended.
Spanish Town Square: where is it located?
Spanish Town Square is located in Jamaica.
Spanish Town Square: what is there to see?
Highlights include Prison Oval, St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, Spanish Town.
Spanish Town Square: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Spanish Town Square: why is it worth visiting?
Spanish Town Square, officially renamed Emancipation Square, is the historic centerpiece of Jamaica's former capital, Spanish Town.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
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Nearby cities

Kingston — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Kingston
The capital and largest city of Jamaica.
Montego Bay — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Montego Bay
A major cruise ship pier and popular beach destination.
Port Antonio — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Port Antonio
Coastal town known as the gateway to nearby jungles.
Ocho Rios — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Ocho Rios
A town on the northern coast known for rainforests and waterfalls.
Runaway Bay — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Runaway Bay
A scenic coastal resort area known for its beautiful coral reefs and historical Green Grotto Caves.
Lucea — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Lucea
A charming coastal town with a historic fort and a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.
Negril — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Negril
A resort town known for its white sandy beaches.
Bluefields — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Bluefields
One of Jamaica's oldest settlements, offering peaceful beaches, fishing villages, and rich biodiversity.
Hellshire Beach — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Hellshire Beach
A popular beach near Kingston famous for its fried fish, festival, and vibrant local Jamaican culture.
Long Bay — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Long Bay
A quiet beach area in Portland, Jamaica, known for its turquoise waters and bohemian, laid-back atmosphere.

History & landmarks

🗺️
Blue Hole
Stunning natural turquoise pools in the hills of Ocho Rios.
Bob Marley Museum — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Bob Marley Museum
The former home of the legendary reggae musician Bob Marley.
Mystic Mountain — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Mystic Mountain
Adventure park offering bobsled rides through the rainforest.
Dunn&#39;s River Falls — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Dunn's River Falls
Famous waterfalls in Ocho Rios that empty into the Caribbean Sea.
Dolphin Cove — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Dolphin Cove
Interactive marine park where visitors can swim with dolphins.
Frenchman&#39;s Cove — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Frenchman's Cove
A famous beach where a river meets the sea.
Reach Falls — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Reach Falls
A beautiful natural waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest.
Pelican Bar — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Pelican Bar
A unique rustic bar built on a sandbar in the middle of the sea.

Nature

Rio Grande — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Rio Grande
Famous for bamboo rafting through tropical scenery.
Martha Brae River — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Martha Brae River
A tranquil river popular for bamboo rafting trips.
Black River — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Black River
Home to crocodiles and unique wetland ecosystems.

More places

Port Royal — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Port Royal
Port Royal was once known as the 'wickedest city on earth' before a devastating earthquake in 1692.
Fort Charles — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Fort Charles
The first fort built in Port Royal to protect the harbor.
Devon House — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Devon House
A prominent national heritage site and mansion in Kingston.
Hollywell National Park — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Hollywell National Park
Refreshing mountain retreat in the Blue Mountains.
Seville Heritage Park — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Seville Heritage Park
Historic site marking the encounter of diverse cultures.
Green Grotto Caves — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Green Grotto Caves
Large limestone caves with a rich historical background.
Blue Mountains — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Blue Mountains
Jamaica's longest mountain range, known for Blue Mountain coffee.
Cockpit Country — Spanish Town Square (Jamaica)
Cockpit Country
Unique limestone landscape with diverse biodiversity.