St. John's Parish Church
Key facts: St. John · Free · Ages: all
St. John's Parish Church is an Anglican church in the parish of St. John, perched on a cliff above the east coast of Barbados with extraordinary views over the Atlantic and the Scotland District below. The church dates to the 17th century and its churchyard contains the tomb of Ferdinando Paleologus, a descendant of the last Byzantine emperor.
About St. John's Parish Church
St. John's Parish Church is an Anglican church in the parish of St. John, Barbados, standing on a clifftop position with one of the finest views from any church in the Caribbean. The site looks east over the Atlantic and south across the Scotland District, and the church has stood on this commanding position since at least the 17th century.
The churchyard contains the tomb of Ferdinando Paleologus, who died in Barbados in 1678 and was a descendant of the imperial family of Byzantium, giving St. John's a remarkable historical footnote: the last traceable descendant of Byzantine royalty is buried in a country churchyard in Barbados.
Why Families Go
The clifftop view from St. John's churchyard is one of the finest in Barbados. The Byzantine connection is an unusual historical detail that captures the imagination of older children and teenagers. It is a particularly atmospheric stop on an east coast or inland itinerary.
What to Know Before You Go
Free to visit outside of services. In the parish of St. John, approximately 30 minutes from Bridgetown. Combine with Codrington College and the east coast.
Family Fit
Suited to all ages. The view and the historical story make it worth a 30-minute stop.
Questions parents ask
What makes St. John's Parish Church notable?
Its clifftop view over the Atlantic and the Scotland District, and the tomb of Ferdinando Paleologus, a descendant of the last Byzantine emperor, who died in Barbados in 1678.
Where is it?
In the parish of St. John, on a clifftop above the east coast, approximately 30 minutes by car from Bridgetown.
Is it free?
Yes. Free to visit outside of services.
Who is buried in the churchyard?
Ferdinando Paleologus, who died in Barbados in 1678 and was a traceable descendant of the Byzantine imperial family.
What else is nearby?
Codrington College is in the same parish. The east coast beaches and Hackleton's Cliff are in the broader area.
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