Port Royal added to UNESCO World Heritage List

The United Nations cultural organisation has added Jamacia's famed Port Royal to its World Heritage List.

The decision to include "The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal" was made during the ongoing meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France, Culture Minister Olivia Gange, has reported.

In a video statement following the announcement, Grange, said Jamaica was “proud that our nomination of this unique terrestrial and submerged site has been accepted….This inscription to the World Heritage List supports our national efforts to preserve this heritage for all humanity.”

“In this regard, I express appreciation to the World Heritage Centre, the International Council of Monuments and Sites, the governments of Mexico, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan, as well as the people of Port Royal whose livelihood is inextricably linked to the preservation, promotion and sustainable development of the site,” she said.

The site was inscribed based on two UNESCO’s criteria - one that recognises “an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history,” and another that relates to sites “directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.”

In recommending the inscription, the evaluation team noted: “The integrity of the property is based on the terrestrial and underwater evidence of the 17th-century town of Port Royal. The archaeological ensemble contains all the attributes necessary to convey the Outstanding Universal Value, including the entire town encircled by the six fortifications present at the time of the devastating earthquake in 1692, and its 17th-century urban plan….The underwater sections of the town are exceptionally well preserved under layers of sediments.”

Port Royal now joins the Blue and John Crow Mountains as the second Jamaican site on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Below is an extract from the piece 'Unveiling Jamaica’s built heritage – Port Royal and Seville' published in The Gleaner on April 21, 2024:

Nestled at the entrance of Kingston Harbour, Port Royal wears its tumultuous past like a badge of honour. Once a bustling haven for pirates, buccaneers, and adventurers, this vibrant city earned the notorious reputation of being the “richest and wickedest city on Earth” during the 17th century.

Founded by the Spanish in the late 15th century, Port Royal quickly became a hub of trade and debauchery. Its narrow streets were lined with taverns, brothels, and gambling dens, attracting characters like the infamous Henry Morgan and Calico Jack. However, Port Royal’s prosperity was short-lived, as it was devastated by a catastrophic earthquake on June 7, 1692, sinking much of the city beneath the sea. Today, its remnants serve as a poignant reminder of its storied past, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its sunken treasures.

The forts in Port Royal hold profound historical significance, serving as tangible remnants of the city’s strategic importance during the colonial era. Fort Charles, for instance, stands as a symbol of British naval power in the Caribbean, protecting the lucrative trade routes and defending against foreign incursions. Its imposing walls and strategic placement showcased British dominance in the region. It remains the only British fort completely standing in Jamaica today. In contrast, Fort Rocky, with its strategic position guarding the entrance to Kingston Harbour, exemplifies Jamaica’s tumultuous history, witnessing battles and changing hands between colonial powers.

Port Royal had seven forts: Fort Carlisle, Fort James, Fort Charles, Fort Rocky, Fort Morgan, Fort Rupert and Fort Walker. These forts not only provided defence but also shaped the cultural and economic landscape of Port Royal, influencing trade, settlement patterns, and even the development of nearby towns. Today, they serve as poignant reminders of a bygone era, attracting tourists and historians alike, while also underscoring the enduring legacy of colonialism in the Caribbean.

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