Bermuda is a haven for those seeking the perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural wonders. If you want to get to know Bermuda beyond its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, keep reading for our brief guide to the island’s architecture!
Use your Bermuda vacation to discover a unique perspective on architecture that seamlessly merges tradition with innovation. At Bermudaful Island Tours, we love sharing our island’s historical sites with visitors from around the world on our half and full Bermuda island tours.
Want to learn more about our tours and the cultural hotspots we visit? Just get in touch or browse our website! We can’t wait to meet you and take you through the charming streets and historic sites to unravel the story of Bermuda’s architecture.
For a virtual tour of Bermuda’s architecture, scroll on…
A Brief History of Bermuda’s Architecture
Bermuda’s architecture has changed gradually over the last four decades. Starting in the mid-17th century in the British Colonial style, the island’s buildings were created using Bermuda limestone, native cedar wood, and specially designed roofs.
The iconic pastel-colored buildings with stepped white roofs, a trademark of Bermudian architecture, were born out of necessity rather than aesthetic choice. As an island without a permanent body of freshwater, the unique aesthetics of the Bermudan roof feature a rain-catching solution. By law, each home’s roof is mandated to catch and direct rainwater into underground cisterns — the primary source of freshwater for the island. The limestone is also naturally cooling, making this design feature a double whammy for Bermudans!
Admire the Architecture of St. George’s on Your Bermuda Trip
Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of St. George’s and discover a captivating blend of colonial and Bermudian architectural styles. As a continuously occupied, fortified, colonial town dating from 1612, the township is the oldest English town in the New World.
Discover must-visit historic attractions on your visit, including the museum located at Fort St. Catherine (1830), the State House (1797), and St. Peter’s Church (1713), and see how architecture has shaped the township. There are plenty of things to enjoy from King’s Square (or Market Square), which you can read more about on our blog: 10 Best Cultural Attractions in Bermuda.
Learn more about how St. George’s was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the sites it contains, including 22 forts and military facilities.
See Bermuda’s Architecture Amidst the Modern
Bermuda’s capital city, Hamilton, showcases a perfect harmony of old and new. Not only will you see traditional pastel-colored buildings here, but the skyline is dotted with contemporary structures reflecting gradual changes over time. It’s a perfect blend of history and the modern.
The Bermuda Cathedral (also known as Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity) is an architectural gem in Hamilton, which demonstrates the fusion of tradition and modernity. Witness its neo-Gothic design and stunning stained-glass windows on your visit and marvel at this limestone structure’s longevity from 1869. Fun fact: by law, the Cathedral is the tallest building in the city.
You can also visit the nearby Bermuda National Gallery to discover local contemporary art in a colonial-style building designed and opened in 1960. Eagle-eyed visitors will see that, atop the 90-foot clocktower, there is a weathervane in the shape of the Sea Venture, the English sailing vessel that crashed on Bermuda’s sands in 1609.
Understand the Cultural Influences Behind Bermuda’s Architecture
Despite Bermuda’s British colonial roots influencing the majority of its architecture, the island’s cultural influences are diverse and reflective of its African, Portuguese, and Caribbean traditions. You can experience these influences on the African Diaspora Heritage Trail, which includes buildings, sculptures, and exhibitions highlighting Bermuda’s diaspora.
Particular highlights include the Lost at Sea Memorial and the Bermuda Heritage Museum, the latter of which showcases the social, cultural, and political achievements of Black Bermudians throughout history.
Another piece of living history in St. George’s is Pilot Darrell’s Square at the end of Silk Alley. Named from Bermuda’s most legendary seamen, James Darrell, this once-enslaved man expertly navigated the HMS Resolution through Bermuda’s treacherous reefs in 1795. After his success, he was granted freedom and bought a house in this square, where his descendants still live.
An Eye to the Future of Bermuda’s Architecture
Part of what makes Bermuda such a unique place is how its architectural heritage has been preserved by the island’s lawmakers and residents. With former colonial buildings transformed into thriving tourist destinations, such as museums and educational institutions, Bermuda ensures its colonial history is preserved and contextualized, but never repeated.
At the same time, Bermuda’s architects are looking to integrate sustainability into their structures. Honoring the Bermudan techniques that adapted the buildings to the island’s requirements, future buildings respect both tradition and innovation. The commitment to balancing progress with preservation can be seen in developments such as the Bermuda Government Administration Building, a LEED Gold-certified structure that exemplifies the island’s dedication to sustainable architecture.
We hope this introductory guide to Bermuda’s architecture has piqued your interest! While there is plenty more to discover on the island, these points are a good starting point for planning your itinerary.
If you’d like a local perspective, join Bermudaful Island Tours on our half or full-day island tours of Bermuda. Or, if you have any questions about our tours, get in touch with our friendly team. Until then, happy traveling!
