Jacmel
Centre historique de Jacmel is part of the Tentative list of Haiti in order to qualify for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
The historic center of Jacmel dates mainly from after a disastrous fire in 1895, after which it was rebuilt with iron and cast iron pre-fabricated houses from Europe. In the colonial days it was an important port in the coffee trade. Stepped pedestrian streets characterize its lay-out. The town was severely damaged in the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Map of Jacmel
Load mapThe coordinates shown for all tentative sites were produced as a community effort. They are not official and may change on inscription.
Community Reviews
Michael Novins
I visited Haiti in October 2009, just a few months before the January 2010 earthquake. I made arrangements with Jacqui at Voyages Lumiere (voyageslumiere.com/), who I highly recommend. I based myself at the Hotel Oloffson in Port-au-Prince (hoteloloffson.com/), and visited the capital's principal sites, highlights being the Marche de Fer and Grand Cimetiere de Port-au-Prince. Jacqui also arranged a day trip to Jacmel, located on Haiti's southern coast, which allowed a drive through the mountainous countryside and a visit to Jacmel (similar in construction to the French Quarter of New Orleans, with its many 19th-century merchants' residences graced with wrought-iron facades).
Ryan Trapp
(October 2009) I visited Jacmel on a day trip from Port-au-Prince. It was an easy three hour drive up one of the best roads in the entire country and provided excellent views throughout. The city itself was very walkable and pleasant with nice breezes flowing off the Caribbean Sea. The old New Orleans-style wrought iron architecture was particularly attractive. Compared to the hustle of Port-au-Prince, Jacmel was a very laid back place and a great way to spend a day wandering around. I recommend hiring a driver to take you there for the day. The only other transport would be jam-packed buses that take much longer and are uncomfortable.
Site Info
- Full Name
- Centre historique de Jacmel
- Country
- Haiti
- Added
- 2004
- Type
- Cultural
- Categories
- Urban landscape - Colonial
- Link
- By ID