World Famous Places in Jamaica
...My Top Five (5)!

The truth is, this attraction has only gained prominence since people started to learn more about the beauty and uniqueness of Jamaica when the tourism industry took off some decades ago. There are scores of other places that have equal and even greater social and historical significance to Jamaica.

Taking both history and popular reviews & sentiments into consideration, I have mandated myself to research and present you with these my Top 5 most famous places in Jamaica!

Of course, these are in addition to the same world famous Dunn's River Falls.

1. The Doctor's Cave Beach
   

   The Doctor's Cave Beach has been one of the most famous beach in Jamaica for nearly a century.

   It is noted for its crystal clear turquoise waters and near white sand. Its sheltered location provides calm waters encouraging even the most diffident swimmers to practice safely.

   So what's the big deal with it?...you want to ask right?

   It is said that Dr. Alexander James McCatty founded a sanatorium in Montego Bay in 1880. He allowed his friends including several doctors to bathe at his small beach which was entered through a cave. In 1906 he donated the property to the community.

   In the 1920's, Sir Herbert Barker, an English osteopath, visited the beach and was impressed by the curative powers of the waters. He wrote an article which helped the beach become well known. Gradually hotels were built nearby so that tourists could enjoy the beach.

   Today, the beach is part of the protected Montego Bay Marine Park which has many species to be seen on coral reefs which can be viewed by snorkelers.

   Without a doubt it has to be one of the top 5 most famous places in Jamaica.

   [More on our Beaches Here]

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2. The Rose Hall Great House

   A very popular attraction, the Rose Hall Great house was the home of 'the White Witch' Annie Palmer, a devious and fiend character in Jamaican folklore.

   According to legend, she was a beautiful but spoiled young white woman who arrived on the island as the wife of the owner of the Rose Hall Plantation, east of Montego Bay.

   Annie's husband, and several husbands afterwards, all died suspiciously. Annie became known as a mistress of voodoo, using it to terrorize her slaves, while she took male slaves into her bed at night and subsequently murdered them.

   Today the Rose Hall Great House experience is a must for most vacationers and visitors to our island. Clearly, one of the top, most famous places in Jamaica!

   [More Exciting Places to visit Here]

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3. Devon House

   Devon House, another of the famous places in Jamaica, stands a proud symbol of Jamaica's past and its history is compelling.

   In the late 19th century, the corner of Trafalgar and Hope Roads in Kingston was known as millionaire's Corner.

   There, three of the island's richest men had built mansions. ­The Verley Family's Abbey Court, Daniel Finzi's Reka Dom and George Steibel's Devon House.

   The Abbey Court was demolished in the early 1960's and the Reka Dom was transformed into the YMCA. It was the vision of the then Minister of Development and Welfare, Edward Seaga, that saved the building. Devon House was later purchased by the government.

   It is said its' significance lies in the fact that George Steibel was the first black millionaire in Jamaica. (His mother was a housekeeper).

   I must add that I am not sure sure of the association between Devon House and Devon House Ice Cream here in Jamaica, but it is the huge favourite across the island!

   You can visit the Devon House Webpage and come back.

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4. Port Royal

   During the 17th Century, Port Royal was the shipping commerce hub and mecca of Jamaica. It was noted for it's wealthy lifestyle displays and little regard to morals.

   Not surprisingly, it was also a popular place for pirates to bring and spend their treasure. It is said that the British, during this time, actively enticed the Buccaneers to attack the Spanish and French shipping.

   It was around this time that Port Royal, here in Jamaica, was labeled as The Wickedest Place on Earth!.

   In 1692 however, most of the city (2/3rd of it), sank in the sea because of a massive earthquake. Click here for a more detailed history of Port Royal.

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5. Negril

   Negril, another of the most popular and famous places in Jamaica, is a large beach resort located across parts of two Jamaican parishes, Westmoreland and Hanover.

   The name "Negril" is a shortened version of "Negrillo" as it was originally named by the Spanish in 1494. [See History of Jamaica]

   The western coastline contains the island's finest beaches, stretching for more than six kilometers along a sandbar at Negril. It is known as the "7-Mile Beach". Full Article on Negril Here >>>

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6. The Blue Mountains

   The Blue Mountain records the highest peak in Jamaica, towering at 7,402 feet (2,256 m). It also accounts for the longest continuous mountain ranges in the Caribbean!

   Full Article on The Blue Mountains Here >>>

   Ooops! I said five, didn't I? I hope you don't mind the extra one!

Here too are other related pages and places of interest:

• Ocho Rios, Jamaica,
• Kingston, Jamaica,
• Black River, Jamaica,
• Montego Bay, Jamaica,
• Mandeville, Jamaica,
• Jamaican Cities,
• Intriguing Facts About Jamaica.
• Vacation In Jamaica,
• Pictures from Jamaica &
• Interesting Facts about Jamaica.
• Articles About Jamaica.
• Historical Sites
• Visit Our Discussion Forums

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