Overview:

Pillars of Hercules is a key protected area located on the island of Barbuda in the British Overseas Territory of Antigua-and-Barbuda. It is a hot spot for biodiversity, home to a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and more. This biodiversity hotspot protects 700 acres of seasonal wetlands, as well as a littoral forest, Clingham's Hill mangrove, and a colonial-era fort. The area is held in trust for the Caribs (the indigenous people) of the island and is an important part of their cultural heritage. The site is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is recognised as a Ramsar Wetland site. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda
Prominent Features:

, the Pillars of Hercules are two large monoliths located in the country’s largest national park, the Barbuda National Park. The monoliths were formed about 1.2 million years ago through a natural process known as karsting. They are about 33 feet tall and are located on a rocky outcrop near the low-tide zone area of Coco Point, about 6 miles from the Barbuda National Park Visitor’s Center. Each monolith has a distinct shape, with one pillar being flat-topped while the other has a curvature in the middle which causes the top to appear inverted. The Pillars of Hercules are an important local tourist destination and draw people from all over Antigua-and-Barbuda and the Caribbean region. The Pillars of Hercules are part of the Antigua-and-Barbuda’s cultural identity and form a vital link to the country’s past. The site was initially inhabited by the Arawak people and served as a trading centre for various communities in the region. Although less popular now, the Pillars still remain a significant part of the Caribbean landscape. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda.

History:

The Pillars of Hercules is an iconic structure located on the uninhabited island of Barbuda in Antigua-and-Barbuda. They are two limestone structures that stand overlooking the Caribbean Sea and serve as a reminder of the island's rich history. The Pillars of Hercules are believed to have been built by a people known as the Siboney who inhabited Antigua and Barbuda as early as 2000 BC. The Siboney people were highly advanced and skilled in building techniques, as evidenced by the Pillars structure. They are constructed of limestone blocks, and are believed to have served as a gateway to the Caribbean Sea. It is believed that the Pillars of Hercules served multiple purposes for the Siboney people. They likely served as a ceremonial site, a location for trade, and as a place to watch and protect the coastal waters. In 1520, Christopher Columbus arrived in Barbuda and noted the Pillars of Hercules in his log. He wrote that they were built "with huge blocks of limestone, rising up in four pillars, facing the north, toward the island of Barbuda, and the islands of the Caribbean." Today, the Pillars of Hercules have become a popular tourist attraction. Visitors to Antigua-and-Barbuda flock to the island of Barbuda to witness the majestic sight of these limestone structures standing as a reminder of the long and colorful history of the Islands. The Pillars of Hercules is a reminder that the Caribbean is an area filled with rich history, culture, and incredible sights. Today, they are a symbol of the great strides the Islands have made in developing a strong tourism industry. Visit one of the famous monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Pillars of Hercules, a natural rock formation located in Carlisle Bay at the western coast of Barbuda, is believed to date back to the last Ice Age. 2. The name 'Pillars of Hercules' hails from Roman mythology, where Hercules, the son of Zeus, was said to have marked the boundaries of the known world at these pillars. 3. The structure stands 25-30 feet tall and is made out of limestone. 4. Pillars of Hercules are said to be a representation of Barbuda's strength and ability to survive any oncoming storm. 5. In August 2017, Pillars of Hercules were heavily damaged due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma. However, recovery efforts are being undertaken to restore the site to its former glory. 6. Every year, the locals celebrate the festival 'Renewal of Pillars of Hercules & Regatta' by having a regatta race held in the ocean waters near the structure. One of the historical monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda, it tells the story of a bygone era