The most beautiful religious buildings North Caribbean

Also called Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Port, the cathedral of Saint-Pierre, listed as a historical monument, with its two steeples, dominates the harbor. Built in the 18^th century and remodeled in the middle of the 19^th century, it did not survive the eruption of 1902 and was destroyed. Thanks to the financial support of Victor Depaz, the façade was rebuilt. The stained-glass windows made by the Martinican artist Victor Anicet date from 2006. Renovation work is currently underway.

A visit to the tiny center of Morne-Vert would not be complete without admiring the carved marble tabernacle of the late ^19th-century Saint-Martin church and its breathtaking view of tropical "Little Switzerland". Note the plaque paying tribute to the abbot whose generous donations made it possible to commission the altar (without whom the church would not be completely finished!). On the left, the view of the surrounding area is superb. Take a look inside the presbytery. An unpretentious but charming church.

Initially a simple little wooden church, built in 1640 on a stone base in the early days of colonization, it was rebuilt by Father Farganel in 1678, with a beautiful ship's hull frame and a bell tower separated from the central body, on a small paved square. After losing its roof during the cyclone of 1891, it was destroyed by the eruption of 1902. It was then filled with worshipers. Today, only the remains of the church of the Fort remain, but the place is strikingly emotional.

This Dominican church, classified as a historical monument, is one of the oldest on the island. Dating from 1640, it was rebuilt in 1762 after a fire during a battle between armed forces. To the left of the entrance door, a mosaic was made from ceramic shards found in Saint-Pierre after the eruption of Mount Pelee. Note the carved wooden scallop shell on the façade and the barrel vault decorated with scrolls and arabesques.

Built of wood and brown stone, Bellefontaine church dates back to 1962. Its bells are listed. A building with an original architecture (its bell tower is in fact separate from the main body), its construction is the fruit of the joint efforts of the people of Bellefontaine. Seeing that the old church was no longer able to accommodate the faithful, the population raised funds to build a new one. Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens retains six wrought-iron statues by Joseph René-Corail.

At the top of the Morne d'Orange, the Virgin of the Sailors, also called

Notre-Dame du Bon Port, has watched over the city since 1870. Its base was destroyed by the fiery cloud of May 8, 1902; the 4-tonne statue was thrown several meters lower but, miraculously, came out of the eruption unscathed! To see it, you have to take the road that crosses the D1 (direction Fonds-Saint-Denis). At the top, turn to the right. Park your car and finish the few remaining meters on foot. From there, the view on the bay of Saint-Pierre is breathtaking.

One of the most beautiful churches on the island. Flanked by its cemetery, it shines in its bright yellow dress. It is dedicated to saint James in memory of Jacques du Parquet, the first governor of the colony. The mixture of baroque and neoclassical styles of the 18^th century, with a sober, but charming interior, is rather interesting. Inside, the choir is decorated with effigies of St. James the Greater. Go around and see the presbytery.