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Standing proud near the waterfront, the huge rust-colored Fort Christian is the oldest building in St. Thomas. Built by the Danes to protect the island, its construction began in 1672. A small museum within has artifacts from the island’s past.

Originally a Danish police barracks, this building later housed the high school. It is now home to the territory’s 15-member political body. You can attend sessions if you’re wearing appropriate attire.

This park commemorates the 1848 emancipation of the slaves. A bust of King Christian V and a replica of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell sit among shaded benches, which provide a respite for tired sightseers.

Built in 1820 as the Danish state church, the building retains much of its original Neo-Classical and Gothic Revival character. Its gracious front steps allow folks to peek inside at its lovely stained-glass windows and bell tower. Visitors are welcome to the 9am Sunday services.

Main Street’s stores originally served as warehouses in the sugar and rum trade. There was no waterfront highway, and ships used to back right up to the warehouses to take on cargo.

Built in 1867 for the Danish Colonial Council, this pretty building now serves as the governor’s office. The lower level, which displays four works by Impressionist painter and native son, Camille Pissarro, is open to visitors.

With a congregation that dates back to 1796, this synagogue is the second oldest in the Caribbean. The gracious building dates to 1833 (two earlier buildings fell victim to fire). Its sand floor signifies the flight of Jews from Egypt.

The owner of this private home welcomes visitors for a glimpse of early Danish life. A typical 18th-century Danish West Indian house, it features an expansive “welcoming arms” stair-case supported by seven arches, and period pieces.

Built in the 18th century to connect the upper and lower parts of town, this staircase actually has 103 steps of yellow ship-ballast brick. Continue up Government Hill for grand views from the old tower of Blackbeard’s Castle, now part of a hotel (seeInn at Blackbeard’s Castle, St. Thomas).

This restored 19th-century home belonged to Danish banker and merchant Hans Haagensen. The bedrooms, sitting room, and veranda are furnished in period pieces. Typical of its time, it has a cookhouse and other outbuildings. You can also explore the adjacent herb garden.