Take a guided tour of this 1788 home and get a glimpse into the Bahamas' storied past. Now faithfully restored and carefully furnished with period antiques, the house had numerous owners through the years. The most notable is Stephen Dillet, an immensely influential free black who lived here from 1841 until his death in 1880.

The Parish of Christ Church was established in the 1670s, soon after The Bahamas were granted to the Lord Proprietors of Carolina by the English with the mandate to establish churches in the islands. This is the fifth church to be on this or nearby sites. Another key date, though, is 1861 when the Christ Church Parish Church became a cathedral and consequently, Nassau became a city. The Gothic structure is built of local limestone and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows. Also notable are the needlepoint tapestries and kneelers.

Although great views abound in The Bahamas, some of the best can be had from the Cloisters and Versailles Gardens on the eastern end of Paradise Island, overlooking Nassau Harbor. The stone remains of a 14th-century French monastery traveled a long road to end up here above the sparkling waters. Newspaperman William Randolph Hearst imported the dismantled stones to the US in the 1920s, but they remained just random pieces of a giant puzzle until Huntington Hartford purchased them in the '60s and had them reassembled (without plans) on his oceanfront Ocean Club estate. These grounds of the One&Only Ocean Club resort are a popular location for weddings.

The largest of the three forts still on the island, Fort Charlotte was built by Lord Dunmore in 1789 to guard the western entrance to the harbor. Today, it offers a waterless moat, ramparts, canons, underground passages to dungeon rooms, and spectacular views of Paradise Island, the harbor and much of Nassau. Happily, the fort never fired a shot in battle. Costumed and trained tour guides, working for tips, are available to enrich your visit with tales of the history of the area.

Near the top of the Queen's Staircase at the highest point of the island stand the ruins of Fort Fincastle, built by Governor Lord Dunmore in 1793. Although small and never tested in battle, the fort provided an excellent vantage point for the lookouts posted to give warning of approaching pirates. Those panoramic views of the island, the harbor and surrounding waters are prized today by both tourists and locals. The fort's name honors Lord Dunmore's second title, Viscount Fincastle. The adjacent 126 foot water tower was built in the early 1900s and has also served as a lighthouse. The observation deck provides outstanding views of the area, offering true value for the minimal admission charge.