Travel

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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean: Saint Lucia

Loop News
September 30, 2020 11:05 AM ET
The Pitons in Saint Lucia. Photo: (St Lucia Tourism Board)
The Pitons in Saint Lucia. Photo: (St Lucia Tourism Board)

A sight that is impossible to miss on this island, the Pitons Management area in Saint Lucia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004.  

According to UNESCO, The Pitons are two volcanic spires rising side by side from the sea linked by the Piton Mitan range.  

These two peaks are called Gros Piton and Petit Piton. 

Apart from its visual volcanic features The Pitons is also steeped in rich history.  

Video from Pitons Management Area Office/Facebook

According to the History and Culture section of The Pitons Management Area website, The Pitons were sacred to Saint Lucia’s Amerindian ancestors with archaeological evidence of the Amerindian Peoples being found through local excavations and casual finds.  

UNESCO says petroglyphs and artifacts bear witness of the Amerindian Carib population which historically inhabited the area.  

Adding to its universal value, The Pitons Management Area with its nearby forests is home to rare tree species, birds and indigenous rodents. 

The Marine Management Area is covered mostly by coral reefs and contains diverse marine life.  

Within the Pitons Management Area there are several scenic sites for visitors to discover including waterfalls and estates which give a glimpse into Saint Lucia’s history.  

The Pitons is a major tourist attraction and makes Saint Lucia one of the most recognisable islands in the Caribbean.  

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