Atop the volcanic cliffs of St. Kitts shoreline, rests a centuries-old fortress once known as the "Gibraltar of the West Indies." Brimstone Hill, named for the black rock from which it was fashioned, is both one of the most important colonial sites in the Caribbean and easily the most captivating. After serving as the main line of defense for both the British and French throughout the colonial period and falling into eventual disrepair, the fortress was saved from oblivion in the mid-20th century. When touring the site today, visitors can not only gain an important historical perspective, but witness one of the most awe-inspiring views anywhere in the Caribbean.

Once officially known as the island of St. Christopher, St. Kitts holds a unique distinction in the storied history of the Caribbean. As the first island to be settled by Europeans, St. Kitts served as a model society for the colonizers that flocked to the region throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. At the beginning of the colonial period, St. Kitts was shared by the British and the French, a mutual settlement that lasted from 1627 until 1713. After the native peoples were eradicated from St. Kitts and other Caribbean islands, European colonizers began fortifying their settlements and developing diverse industries. St. Kitts' Brimstone Hill remains at once one of the oldest, largest and best preserved examples of such European development anywhere in the Caribbean.

The massive fortress at Brimstone Hill was constructed in pieces between the 1690s and 1790s. Nearly all of the stones used in the fortress were created using the volcanic rock that rests along the coastline of St. Kitts. The black stones were then precariously set into the walls of the fortress, including the exterior wall that overlooks an 800-foot cliff and the windswept Caribbean Sea. As the fortress expanded, the structure came to be an imposing extension of the dangerous coastline and impenetrable cliffs of Brimstone Hill.

In 1792, a French fleet composed of 50 ships and nearly 8,000 men, succeeded in capturing Brimstone Hill from the 1,000 British soldiers stationed atop the cliffs. However, following the Treaty of Versailles one year later, both the fortress and the island of St. Kitts were returned to the British Crown. While Brimstone Hill served as an active military camp for another 60 years, the massive fortress was abandoned and left to the elements by the mid-19th century. In 1965, the Brimstone Hill was resurrected as a national park and underwent years of restoration, eventually gaining distinction as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, visitors to Brimstone Hill can tour the restored fortress and experience the same remarkable views once enjoyed by European soldiers. Daily tours traverse the 38-acre complex and visit the hospital, officers' quarters, ammunition stores, cemetery and the impressive citadel with its guns remounted and aimed across the Caribbean Sea. In the on-site museum, visitors can see a collection of artifacts left behind by the soldiers and slaves that helped build the fortress. After taking in the rich history of the site, visitors can walk a number of nature trails through St. Kitts' dense coastal forest. While there is plenty to see along the trails, the greatest natural beauty can be found by gazing across the Caribbean Sea from the top of the fortress. To the southeast, both St. Kitts' sister island of Nevis and Montserrat are easily visible, while smaller islands such as St. Barths, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius and Saba can be seen to the north.

While some Caribbean islands are known for their raucous atmosphere, St. Kitts and its residents are content being quiet, peaceful and devout. Though the island certainly isn't without plenty of fun, the spiritual nature of St. Kitts' residents seems to grant a calming influence to all who visit. Like many other destinations known for being peaceful and contemplative, life for locals in St. Kitts seems to revolve around the churches and their rich histories. As the population of St. Kitts is small compared to other popular Caribbean islands, the island has only two main churches. However, these churches - a Roman Catholic cathedral and an Anglican church - are two of the most important buildings on the island and should be part of any sightseeing tour in Basseterre.

One of the most impressive structures in St. Kitts is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic church that dates to the 1920s. Though the cathedral is not yet 100 years old, a number of colonial churches have stood on the land since the early 18th century. The original Catholic cathedral was built on this picturesque plot in 1706. Initially known as the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the French-built structure was destroyed only four years later by invading British troops. With St. Kitts under British control, the church was rebuilt in 1710 as the island's primary Anglican church. For the next century, Roman Catholics were persecuted by the British and forbidden from worshipping in public. As a result, the Catholic population of St. Kitts was forced to practice their religion in private, without a house of worship to call their own.

After a century of persecution, St. Kitts' Catholics were again allowed to practice their faith in 1829. A few years later, a large group of Portuguese immigrants arrived on the island, further increasing the island's diversity and St. Kitts' Catholic population. With the support of these devoutly religious immigrants, St. Kitts' Catholic population erected a new church in 1856. Now known as the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the building served the island's Catholic community until 1927 when today's larger, more ornate structure was erected. Today, visitors can tour the cathedral amongst the beautiful surroundings of Independence Square, St. Kitts' historic park that is bordered by well-preserved colonial buildings.

After St. Kitts' Catholic population reclaimed the site of their church in the mid-19th century, the Anglican congregation built a new house of worship just east of the cathedral. Like the original incarnation of the Catholic cathedral, St. George's Anglican Church was built in the 1850s. However, unlike the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, St. George's Anglican Church has remained intact for 150 years. Though St. George's has been renovated several times following fires and storms, the remarkable colonial structure is still in service today. Despite lacking the grandeur of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, St. George's Anglican Church is an important site in Basseterre and shouldn't be missed when touring the city.

To the west of both primary churches, visitors will find the Springfield Chapel and Cemetery. Also constructed in the mid-19th century, the Springfield Chapel and Cemetery is an important religious and historical site for locals. In 1858, the government responded to a cholera epidemic that had affected the island for four years by requiring all future burials to take place at Springfield Cemetery. In 1862, the government of St. Kitts added the non-denominational chapel to be used for all burial services. Today, the Springfield Chapel and Cemetery serve as constant reminders of the island's unwavering faith and unique colonial history. Just as many locals celebrate this site amongst the most spiritual and uplifting in St. Kitts, many visitors have made the journey to the west side of Basseterre to experience the rustic chapel and historic graveyard.

Early in the 20th Century, a 30-mile railway was constructed on St. Kitts to aid transportation of sugarcane crops to the island's colonial capital, Basseterre. Today, this unique narrow-gauge railway has found a new life. As part of St. Kitts' expanding tourism industry, the St. Kitts Sugarcane Railroad now serves as one of the best ways to see this gorgeous island in its entirety. In addition to being the most enchanting rail tour in the Caribbean, this railway provides one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

Traversing a major stretch of the island, the railway will take you past many of the old sugarcane fields. Though the crop is rarely harvested anymore, these plantations offer a unique glimpse into the Caribbean's colonial past. Today, the countryside is dotted with numerous active farms full of livestock and fruit crops, yet abandoned windmills and smokestacks still populate the landscape. The small towns supporting these farms also feature charming houses and other unique historic structures. Many travelers have also noticed that children often come out of the rural schoolhouses to watch the train roll by twice a day - an activity that offers students and teachers a regular break from studies.

After leaving the station, the train will head north along the St. Kitts' beautiful coastline. Some of the first things you might notice are the numerous sidings - loading points for harvested sugarcane - next to the tracks. As the train hugs the coastline in the early going, you will probably also notice the rainforest-covered mountains of St. Kitts rising above the aforementioned farms and villages. At the heart of the mountain range, you will certainly notice Mt. Liamuiga - the volcanic peak visible throughout the island. Stretching from the island's central mountain range are many deep canyons, some of which extend all the way to the coastline's majestic cliffs. Spanning these canyons are 24 steel bridges - all of which are attractions in themselves.

Many of St. Kitts' most popular attractions are visible from the train, as well. As the train circles the island, the conductor will announce such sites as Brimstone Hill Fortress - the "Gibraltar of the Caribbean." While viewing such historic structures and natural beauty, you will also be treated to a narrative history of the island. To educate yourself even further, stop by the Basseterre Public Library after your tour to view a permanent exhibit of photographs dating to the construction of the railway.

Unlike many other historic railways, the passenger cars of the St. Kitts Sugarcane Railroad are as luxurious as the scenery. For the sake of the tours, the island commissioned the construction of distinctive double-deck railcars. On the upper deck, you will find a beautiful open-air observation deck. Down below, the air conditioned cars are outfitted with comfortable furniture, full-service bars and even live entertainment - all with a Caribbean flourish. As you don't want to miss anything outside, the oversized windows will allow you to enjoy all the sites.

Utilizing 18 miles of the original railway, this two hour tour is the best way to see the entire country in a short time. As only 420 seats are available each day, it is recommended to buy tickets as early as possible through your resort or travel provider. As travelers are promised captivating views of the Caribbean Sea, surrounding islands, rainforest-coated mountains, magnificent cliffs and pristine wildlife - the St. Kitts Sugarcane Railroad is the hottest ticket on the island.

It is even possible to take a ride on the railway during a shore excursion from one of the many cruise ships that visit the island. Shuttles take passengers from the pier directly to Needsmust Station. At the end of the tour, shuttles will available for travel back to the pier or any of the island's resorts.