Pedro St. James
Nestled along the coastline, the Cayman Islands National Historic Site spans seven beautifully landscaped acres.
Open Daily
From: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday
Last Movie Showing At 4:00 PM
Guided Tours
Adults: $20 CI Dollars
Children (3-12): $10 CI Dollars
Children (0-2): FREE
Self-Guided Tours
Adults: $15 CI Dollars
Children (3-12): $10 CI Dollars
Children (0-2): FREE
Our History
During the late 18th century, Grand Cayman, with a population of around 500, was a modest fishing village. Utilizing slave labor, an Englishman named William Eden constructed the extensive Great House and cultivated the surrounding land as a plantation.
Having been constructed over two centuries ago, Pedro St. James has served diverse roles, functioning as a courthouse, jail, Government Assembly, and even a restaurant. Despite enduring hurricanes, fires, vandalism, and persistent rumors of being jinxed, it stands today in its meticulously restored state, representing a dynamic and integral part of Caymanian heritage.
Pedro St. James, often recognized as the "Birthplace of Democracy in the Cayman Islands," played a crucial role in history. On December 5, 1831, it hosted a meeting where the pivotal decision was made to establish the first elected parliament. Additionally, on May 3, 1835, Robert Thompson, dispatched by the Governor of Jamaica, convened at Pedro St. James to issue the proclamation that marked the end of slavery in the British Empire.
Throughout the years, the structure endured the forces of hurricanes, the strike of lightning, and the ravages of fire. The "Castle" faced abandonment in 1877 when a lightning strike claimed the life of Mary Jane, the daughter of the Eden family. Left unused, it gradually succumbed to decay, and by 1910, only the original stone walls stood. The Hurlston family initiated renovations in 1914, yet the building experienced another period of abandonment in 1920.
In 1959, Thomas Hubbell acquired part of the property, undertaking renovations on the "Castle" and residing there until 1963. Functioning as a restaurant and hotel from 1967, it faced a significant fire in 1970. Following repairs, it resumed restaurant operations in 1974 until the late 1980s, when a hurricane and another fire caused damage. By 1989, the restaurant declared bankruptcy, leading to another period of vacancy for the "Castle."
In 1991, the Cayman Islands Government acquired the property for the purpose of developing it into a historic site. The Canadian firm, Commonwealth Historic Resource Management Limited, was enlisted to create a restoration and interpretation plan, a project that concluded in 1996 with an approximate cost of $8 million. The result is the present-day historic site.
Guided Tours
Take a Guided Tour with a local and learn about the history and heritage of the Cayman Islands. All guided tours include a showing of the multi-sensory 3-D movie theatre as well as a tour of the grounds and Great House. Advanced booking is recommended for Guided Tours and can be booked by emailing or calling. Guided Tours are available on the hour every hour from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. If you require assistance locating the precise address, please refer to the full address below, marked with an underline, or click on the map icon to access Google Maps.
Self-Guided Tours
Explore the history and heritage of the Cayman Islands on a Self Guided Tour of Pedro St. James. All Self Guided Tours include a showing of the multi-sensory 3-D movie theatre as well as access to the grounds and Great House. No advanced booking is needed. The theatre show runs on the hour every hour from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. If you require assistance locating the precise address, please refer to the full address below, marked with an underline, or click on the map icon to access Google Maps.
Exploring Pedro St. James
The Great House
Standing tall at three stories high with stone walls measuring 18 inches in thickness, the Great House at Pedro Point loomed large over the adjacent single-level "wattle-and-daub" dwellings in 1780. Its immense proportions were emphasized by expansive verandahs, sizable shuttered windows, and the use of English-imported slate for the roof and floors.
This sophisticated construction elevated the Great House to the status of a Caymanian counterpart to a European castle, and the designation "Pedro Castle" is still employed by local residents today.
Pedro Theatre
Nestled in plush, stadium-style seating, each guest is afforded an unobstructed view of the entire theater. As you settle into your seat, a storm begins to swirl around you, and a narrator gradually unveils the captivating history of Pedro St. James and the Cayman Islands.
Diverging from a conventional audio-visual encounter, the 20-minute presentation at Pedro Theatre incorporates genuine artifacts and tools that once enabled past generations to not just survive but thrive in an untamed landscape bordered by tumultuous seas. Innovative lighting, mists, wind, and water are harnessed to immerse you in the lives of the early settlers.
Hurricane Ivan Memorial
The Hurricane Ivan Memorial employs text, images, and symbols to depict crucial elements of the natural disaster that impacted the Cayman Islands on September 12, 2004. Hurricane Ivan, a category 5 hurricane, made landfall in the Cayman Islands, resulting in severe devastation across the islands, including Pedro St. James. The Great House, Theatre, Cafe, and surrounding vegetation suffered extensive damage, with estimated repair costs for Pedro St. James reaching CI$1.4 Million.
The restoration of this national historic site concluded in May 2006, marking its reopening to visitors.
Stamp Room
Explore our historic stamp room with rare examples of Caymanian stamps from the past.
Rum Tasting
A self-guided rum tour showcases Cayman Spirits' original distilling equipment, provides light food options, and, naturally, offers some of Cayman Spirits' distinctive beverages.
