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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Swedish bell tower of Gustavia, built at the end of the 18th century around 1790, is a testimony of the Swedish occupation of Saint Barthélemy (1785-1877). Built in volcanic stone, it replaced the former bell tower of the Protestant church Sophia Magdalena, inaugurated in 1787 and destroyed in 1857 after damage caused by a cyclone in 1837. This place of worship, dedicated to Queen Sophie-Madeleine of Denmark, welcomed Lutherans, Anglicans, Catholics and Methodists, reflecting the religious diversity of the island.

The bell tower, named Sofia Magdalena in tribute to the Queen, was cast in 1799 in Stockholm. It rhythmized daily life by ringing at 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., marking the time marks for the inhabitants. The bell tower was also used to announce important events on the island. In 1931, a clock was added during its restoration, oriented towards the city. The monument, classified in 1995, suffered heavy damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017, losing its top wooden part.

Today, the Swedish bell tower remains a heritage symbol of Gustavia, recalling the Swedish heritage of Saint Bartholomew. Its bell, still in place, and its sober volcanic stone architecture make it a major historical point of interest. Although the original church has disappeared, the bell tower continues to bear witness to the multicultural and religious history of the island, marked by exchanges between European settlers and local populations.

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