The Queen’s Staircase in Nassau: History, Architecture, and Travel Guide
When you step into Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, you’re surrounded by colorful streets, colonial architecture, and turquoise waters. But tucked away from the busy harbor and tourist markets is one of the city’s most striking landmarks: the Queen’s Staircase, a 66-step limestone staircase carved by hand in the late 18th century. It’s not just a beautiful historic site—it’s a story in stone, shaped by enslaved laborers, tied to the island’s military history, and later dedicated to a monarch who ruled over half the globe.
This guide explores the history, significance, architecture, and visitor experience of the Queen’s Staircase, so you’ll know exactly why it’s worth the stop when you’re in Nassau.
A Glimpse Back in Time: The History of the Queen’s Staircase
The Queen’s Staircase was hewn from solid limestone between 1793 and 1794. More than 600 enslaved people carved the passage entirely by hand, using pickaxes and hand tools. It took about 16 years to complete. The purpose? To provide a protected escape route from Fort Fincastle, a nearby stronghold built to defend Nassau from potential invaders.
In an age when piracy, colonial rivalries, and European conflicts spilled into the Caribbean, Nassau was a vulnerable port. The staircase provided a direct, sheltered path between the fort at the top of Bennet’s Hill (the highest point in Nassau) and the city below. In case of attack, soldiers could move quickly from the fort to the town—or retreat in the opposite direction.
The staircase got its current name more than a century later. In the late 19th century, it was dedicated to Queen Victoria, who reigned over the British Empire from 1837 to 1901. Victoria was celebrated in the Bahamas for her role in ending slavery across the empire in 1834. While she had no direct connection to the construction of the staircase, the renaming honored her legacy.
Architecture and Atmosphere
Today, the Queen’s Staircase is both a piece of military engineering and a serene passageway.
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Structure: Originally, it had 66 steps. Over time, due to paving at the bottom, only 65 are visible. The steps rise about 102 feet (31 meters) from the base to the top of Bennet’s Hill.
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Surroundings: The staircase is nestled in a narrow, shaded gorge of limestone cliffs, dripping with lush vegetation. Ferns, moss, and tropical plants cover the rock walls, giving the site a cool, tranquil feel even on Nassau’s hottest days.
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Ambience: Walking through the staircase feels like stepping back into another era. The stone walls soar above you, sunlight filters in narrow shafts, and water trickles softly along the limestone. It’s at once imposing and peaceful.
The Top of the Queen's Staircase - ©A. Derek Catalano
The Connection to Fort Fincastle
At the top of the staircase, you emerge near Fort Fincastle, built in 1793 by Governor Lord Dunmore. Shaped like a paddle-wheel steamer, the fort was armed with cannons to guard Nassau against pirates and foreign navies. While it never saw active battle, the fort and staircase together formed part of Nassau’s defensive network.
Most visitors combine both attractions: they climb the Queen’s Staircase, then explore the fort at the top for sweeping views over Nassau Harbor and Paradise Island.
The Significance Today
The Queen’s Staircase holds layered meaning for the Bahamas:
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Colonial and military history: It’s a surviving reminder of Nassau’s strategic role in the Caribbean during the age of empires.
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Labor and resilience: The staircase is also a silent monument to the enslaved people who built it—laboring under brutal conditions, carving stone by hand to create something that endures centuries later.
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Freedom and symbolism: By naming it after Queen Victoria, Bahamians connected the staircase to the end of slavery, making it not only a physical path but also a symbolic one—from oppression to freedom.
Visiting the Queen’s Staircase
Here’s what to know if you’re planning a visit:
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Location: Elizabeth Avenue, Nassau, near the Princess Margaret Hospital. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Nassau’s cruise port.
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Admission: Free to enter, though local guides are often present. Many work for tips and provide fascinating stories that add context to the site.
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Best time to go: Morning or late afternoon to avoid cruise ship crowds. The shaded gorge makes it a welcome stop during the midday heat, too.
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Accessibility: The staircase is steep and uneven in places, so good walking shoes are recommended. Those with mobility issues may find it challenging.
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Nearby attractions: Fort Fincastle, the Water Tower, and Nassau’s bustling downtown are all within walking distance.
Travel Tips
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Take your time: Don’t just rush up or down the staircase. Pause, look up at the towering limestone walls, and imagine the effort it took to carve this space.
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Bring a camera: The greenery, stone textures, and natural light create one of the most photogenic spots in Nassau.
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Chat with guides: Even if you don’t hire one, many locals are happy to share stories. You’ll get more out of the experience by hearing their perspectives.
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Pair with history tours: The Queen’s Staircase is often part of walking or bus tours of Nassau. If you’re interested in the island’s colonial past, this is a must-stop.
Why the Queen’s Staircase Matters
The Queen’s Staircase isn’t just a set of stone steps—it’s a link between past and present. It represents Nassau’s colonial struggles, the forced labor of enslaved Africans, and the symbolic victory of emancipation. Today, it’s also a space of reflection, beauty, and heritage that connects visitors to the city’s deeper story.
Whether you’re in Nassau for a few hours on a cruise stop or exploring the Bahamas at length, taking the time to climb these steps is worth it. Each worn stone holds centuries of history, and each step carries you closer to understanding the soul of the island.
