Since 1982, Saint-Pierre has been classified as a City of Art and History. In 1902, it experienced one of the most important events in the history of Martinique: the eruption of Mount Pelée! In the manner of Pompeii and the eruption of Vesuvius, the city was destroyed, but over time it was able to rise from its ashes. Today it is a historic place where one can visit the ruins of what was once the economic and cultural capital of the island.
Ruins of Saint Pierre Martinique: What Are They?
Why not explore the town of Saint Pierre and discover the ruins of the town once known as Little Paris?
Ruins of Saint Pierre Martinique: The Devastating Eruption of 1902
In the morning of May 8, 1902, at precisely 8:02 a.m., a significant rumble was heard, and a deadly pyroclastic cloud descended from Martinique's only volcano, Mount Pelée. This rapidly moving cloud had an estimated speed of 130 to 150 meters per second, or nearly 500 km/h, and it obliterated everything in its path, leaving no trace except for incredible heat (500 degrees Celsius, no less!). In just 2 minutes, "Little Paris," as the town was nicknamed at the time, was engulfed and literally wiped off the map, buried entirely. It took days to find one of the few survivors of this tragedy, also the most famous one, Louis-Auguste Cyparis, who was found behind the thick walls of his cell.
Once lively and cheerful, all that remains now is the deafening silence of a town whose governor, Louis Mouttet, refused evacuation for political reasons.
It is estimated that more than 28,000 residents of Saint Pierre tragically lost their lives that day, and many people were left homeless, especially in Le Prêcheur and the neighboring towns near the volcano. Many children were left orphaned, leading to the construction of an orphanage to accommodate them.
Some residents of the northern region migrated to other towns or to other islands in the Caribbean, including Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia.
The United States and Europe even organized to provide assistance by sending food and medicine. This event had a profound impact on Martinique and the rest of the world!
Visiting the Ruins of Saint-Pierre in Martinique
During your stroll through the historic center of the town, you'll have the opportunity to discover many iconic places from the past:
• The Grand Theatre: This exact replica of the Grand Theatre in Bordeaux, from the stairs to the stage, could accommodate up to 800 spectators. It hosted plays and operas by famous authors, including "The Barber of Seville," "The Marriage of Figaro," "La Traviata," "Faust," and "La Belle Hélène." A volcanic rock statue, created after the eruption, was placed at the entrance of the theater ruins to symbolize "Saint-Pierre rising from its ashes." It was sculpted by a collaborator of Auguste Rodin and offered to the town in 1928.
• Rue Monte au Ciel: It's impossible to make this pilgrimage without taking this stairway alley in the Fort district that climbs the heights of the town. It used to be very lively and popular among sailors, dockworkers, and residents of Saint-Pierre. It has since been rehabilitated.
• The Colonial House of Health is also a must-see! Located not far from Levassor Street, this former asylum was the very first psychiatric hospital in the Antilles. Built in 1839, it had an innovative treatment method: hydrotherapy, which involved water baths.
• The former Fort church near the sea: It dated back to the 18th century and was the first church in Saint-Pierre.
• Also, make a stop at the Cathedral and the Mouillage Cemetery. Rebuilt almost identically in 1924, this cathedral received financial contributions from one of the few survivors from the Depaz family. The cemetery, on the other hand, contains the remains of the victims, where you can pay your respects.
• And of course, you can't complete your tour of the ruins of Saint-Pierre without visiting the famous Cyparis Cell! Still intact, it is located behind the theater. Cyparis was found there on May 11, three days after the eruption. Sentenced to one month in prison after a brawl between drunks, this, in a way, saved him from certain death because his cell became his lifeline! He became famous as one of the few survivors and was hired by Barnum's circus, which promoted him as the "sole survivor" of the disaster! He displayed his burns to American audiences but ended up in poverty and anonymity in Panama.
What to Do Near the Ruins of Saint-Pierre?
The Frank A. Perret Museum is also a must-visit when you're in Saint-Pierre! It's a great way to complement your discovery and understand the significance of the 1902 eruption for Saint-Pierre. Many photos of the places before and after the catastrophe, along with various testimonies and items recovered from the site, immerse you even further.
A hike to Mount Pelée is always a enjoyable activity, whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker.
The Saint-Pierre Market next to Place Bertin is a pleasant place to visit and offers a wide variety of products, including typical spices and ingredients for cooking traditional dishes. Between vegetables and spices, you'll have plenty to choose from. In fact, this market is less touristy than you might think, so you can chat with the vendors without any problems!
How about taking a dip at one of the beaches in Saint-Pierre or enjoying a drink by the water at Coin Beach in Carbet?
So, are you ready for a visit to the ruins of Saint-Pierre?
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