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Apostles' Battery

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Apostles' Battery is a significant historical military site perched on Morne Fortune, overlooking the city of Castries. Its name is derived from the twelve heavy cannons that were originally stationed here, which the local population colloquially named after the twelve apostles. During the 18th and 19th centuries, this battery played a pivotal role in the defense of Saint Lucia as British and French forces repeatedly vied for control of the island's strategic harbor. The battery's elevated position provided an unobstructed line of sight over the entrance to Castries, making it a key defensive installation. Today, while the original cannons are gone, the massive stone foundations of the gun emplacements remain, offering a tangible link to the island's colonial military history. Beyond its historical value, the site is a popular destination for its wide-open views, which stretch across the capital and out toward the Caribbean Sea. It stands as a testament to the engineering and strategic planning of the era, preserved as part of the historical heritage of Morne Fortune.

Location: St. Lucia
Top sights: Windward Islands · Lesser Antilles · Government House, Saint Lucia
Nearby: Sunny Acres (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	26	26	27	28	28	28	28	29	28	28	27
Rain mm	68	44	48	97	102	136	154	180	182	189	159	85

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

This historic military battery is generally open for visitors to explore its outdoor ruins and the remaining cannon emplacements. You can freely walk among the defensive structures and imagine the strategic importance of this elevated coastal fortification.

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Typical hours

Since it is primarily an open-air historical site, access is typically available throughout the daylight hours. It is highly recommended to visit during the morning or late afternoon to fully enjoy the natural light and avoid navigating uneven terrain in the dark.

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Photography

The elevated position provides exceptional opportunities to photograph both the antique cannons and the sweeping coastal panoramas. The rugged textures of the old military stonework contrasting with the lush tropical vegetation create striking compositions for nature and history enthusiasts.

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Time needed

Most travelers spend about thirty to forty-five minutes inspecting the battery, reading any available historical markers, and enjoying the views. If you are deeply interested in military history, you might linger a bit longer to fully absorb the strategic layout of the site.

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Combine with

Being situated on Morne Fortune, this battery is ideally explored alongside other nearby military ruins, monuments, and historic government buildings. It is also an excellent stop to integrate into a broader day trip around the scenic coastal roads of Saint Lucia.

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Getting there

The site is accessible by road, with taxis or rental cars being the most practical options to reach the elevated slopes of Morne Fortune. Be prepared for some steep and winding sections on the drive, followed by a short walk over uneven ground to reach the cannons.

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Insider tip

Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the pathways around the old fortifications can be rocky, overgrown, or slippery after typical tropical showers. Don't forget to bring along some insect repellent and sunscreen, as shaded areas can sometimes be sparse at the viewpoint.

Geography

Coordinates

14.00050, -61.00120

Facts

Modernized battery constructed between 1888 and 1890
Equipped with 12 heavy coastal defense guns
Strategic protection for the entrance to Castries Harbour
Utilized modern concrete and steel reinforcements
Last major expansion of the Morne Fortune defenses
Part of the late Victorian coastal defense network

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Morne Fortune Powder Magazine<1 km · NWExplore →

Vigie Promontory2 km · SEExplore →

La Clery2 km · NEExplore →

Buckeye St. Lucia Terminal2 km · SWExplore →

Entrepot3 km · NExplore →

Roseau Valley Agricultural Zone3 km · SWExplore →

Choc Commercial3 km · NEExplore →

Bexon4 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Apostles' Battery (3)

Windward Islands📍 landmark

Island group in the eastern Caribbean, formed by volcanic activity and covered in tropical forest.

Lesser Antilles📍 landmark

Arc of islands marking the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea, including many small islets.

Government House, Saint Lucia📍 landmark

Official residence of the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, located in the capital city Castries.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Apostles Battery?

A historic gun battery on Morne Fortune, named after its twelve cannons.

Are there still cannons on site today?

Yes, you can see several of the old cannons still pointing towards the harbor.

Who built the battery?

It was started by the French in the 18th century and later expanded by the British.

Is access to the battery free?

Yes, the area is mostly free to access and part of the historical Morne Fortune site.

What is the best way to get there?

By car or taxi from Castries; it is only about a 10-minute drive uphill.

Apostles' Battery: where is it located?

Apostles' Battery is located in St. Lucia.

Apostles' Battery: what is there to see?

Highlights include Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles, Government House, Saint Lucia.

Apostles' Battery: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Apostles' Battery: why is it worth visiting?

The Apostles' Battery is a significant historical military site perched on Morne Fortune, overlooking the city of Castries.

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