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Fort Frederick
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Landmark
Perched atop Richmond Hill with a commanding view of St. George's, Fort Frederick is a remarkable example of 18th-century military engineering. Its construction began in 1779 under French occupation following their successful capture of the island, and was later completed by the British in 1791. It is famously nicknamed the 'Backward-Facing Fort' due to its cannons being oriented inland rather than toward the Caribbean Sea. This unusual strategic positioning was a direct response to the vulnerability shown when the French themselves captured the ridge from the landside. The fort's elevated location provides visitors with an unparalleled 360-degree panorama, encompassing the scenic Carenage harbor, the turquoise waters of the coast, and the lush interior mountains. As a silent sentinel of the colonial struggle between France and Britain, Fort Frederick gives a profound glimpse into the naval and terrestrial tactics that shaped the history of the Spice Isle.
- Location: Grenada
- Top sights: Sir Eric Matthew Gairy Botanical Gardens · Richmond Hill Prison · Tanteen Recreation Ground
- Nearby: Gouyave (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 30 | 34 | 37 | 78 | 135 | 159 | 161 | 141 | 180 | 175 | 108 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Fort Frederick is a historic fort open to visitors, with access to interiors and cannons. The fort sits on a hill offering panoramic views.
Typical hours
The fort is typically open during daytime, usually from 9:00 to 17:00. It's advisable to check current hours in advance, especially on holidays.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the fort, including cannons and views. The exposed location allows wide-angle shots of the coast and city.
Time needed
A visit to the fort takes about 30-45 minutes including room exploration. Those wanting to enjoy the view longer should allow 1 hour.
Combine with
Fort Frederick is right next to Fort Matthew, also visitable. Nearby gardens and historic St. George's center can be combined.
Getting there
The fort is accessible by car via St. George's main roads; there is a small parking area. On foot, it's a steep climb from the harbor or town.
Insider tip
Visit Fort Frederick in late afternoon to capture golden light over the city. Since the fort is 'backward-facing', look for cannons pointing inland.
Geography
Facts
- Built: 1779
- Elevation: 200 m
- Number of cannons: 20
- Wall thickness: 2 m
- Annual visitors: 40,000
- Area: 5 hectares
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Fort Frederick (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Does Fort Frederick offer a good view?
Yes, it gives a 360-degree view of St. George's, the harbor, and the coastline.
When was Fort Frederick built?
Construction was started by the French in 1779 and completed by the British in 1791.
Is there an entrance fee for the fort?
Yes, the entrance fee is typically around 2 USD per person.
Can you reach the fort by car?
Yes, there is a road leading almost to the entrance, with parking available on site.
How long does a visit take?
It takes about 30 to 60 minutes to explore the grounds and enjoy the view.
Fort Frederick: where is it located?
Fort Frederick is located in Grenada.
Fort Frederick: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sir Eric Matthew Gairy Botanical Gardens, Richmond Hill Prison, Tanteen Recreation Ground.
Fort Frederick: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Fort Frederick: why is it worth visiting?
Perched atop Richmond Hill with a commanding view of St.
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This neighboring fort to Fort Frederick served as a mental asylum during the 20th century.
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The library is housed in one of the oldest brick buildings on the Carenage waterfront.
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Established in 1791, this square was once the site of public slave auctions and is now a bustling commercial hub.
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Jessamine Eden
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St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
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St. George's Anglican Church
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St. George's Anglican Church
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