Port of Spain Introduction Walk (Self Guided), Port of Spain

Port of Spain was once the site of a fishing village of Amerindian people. It was called "Place of the silk cotton trees." By 1560, a Spanish garrison was stationed in the area. By 1757, the village had changed to the capital of the Port of Spain.

The last Spanish governor of Trinidad, Don Jose Chacon, opened the colony to French Catholic immigrants. The population grew and the town expanded. Trinidad has been a destination of immigrants ever since. A grid system of eleven streets was laid out which survives in the downtown area today.

Along the shore, the Plaza de la Marina was established as a parade ground. In 1797, a British force under General Sir Ralph Abercromby landed near the town at a spot known today as Invaders Bay. After a brief diplomatic chat with Governor Chacon, the colony became British and the Plaza de la Marina became Marine Square.

Port of Spain today is a metropolis stretching along an east-west corridor under the foot of Trinidad's forested hills, the Northern Range. Downtown Port of Spain is the hub of business and commerce in the city. It is home to the Stock Exchange, the Central Bank, the city hall, called Red House, the courts, and various government ministries.

Two centuries of immigration show in the mixture of architectural styles. New Orleans style buildings mix with high-rises, Gothic Cathedrals, mosques and Hindu temples. There is a wide range of nightclubs and entertainment venues. Port of Spain hosts one of the biggest pre-Lenten blow out carnivals in the world.

For the hungry traveler there is a wild selection of Restaurants. Italian, Mexican, Thai, French, Chinese, Creole and Indian dining places vie for attention among the Jazz clubs and entertainment strips. Green spaces, squares and seaside promenades offer respite from all the hubbub.

Walk a while in the center of the city. See what it means to be "Trini 2 De Bone."