Few buildings hold as much drama and as much historical significance as Pedro St James. Built in 1780 by Englishman William Eden, Pedro Castle, as it is known, has a colourful history etched into its stonework, from untimely deaths to forbidden trysts.

Take a 15-minute drive out of George Town to this grand house and absorb the commanding views of the coastline from atop the bluff.

Since times of slavery, Pedro Castle has served many roles, including private residence, jail, courthouse and restaurant.

Twice abandoned and twice spared in two devastating hurricanes, Pedro Castle has visitors spellbound.

At a time in the Cayman Islands when most people lived in tiny, thatch-covered houses, a wealthy Englishman, using slave labour from Jamaica, created an astonishing 3-storey building called Pedro St. James. Towering three stories and sporting stone walls 18 inches thick, the Great House at Pedro Point dwarfed the surrounding single-level wattle-and-daub dwellings that were its neighbors in 1780. Its massive size was accentuated by sweeping verandahs, large shuttered windows, and slate imported from England to fashion the roof and floors.

In the 1990s, the Government of the Cayman Islands purchased Pedro St. James and painstakingly restored the Great House to the splendour of its 18th century heritage.

Today, visitors can stroll through the imposing edifice with its period furniture and authentic artifacts to experience what life was like so long ago in Cayman’s history.

Relive a tragic death, learn about the building’s role as the first parliament of the Cayman Islands and be chilled by tales of paranormal activity in the house and grounds. The 20-minute presentation at Pedro Theatre includes authentic artifacts and tools that permitted past generations to survive and thrive in an untamed land bordered by restless seas. Creative lighting, vapors, wind, and water are used to transport you into the lives of the early settlers.

And when the 3-D, multi-sensory presentation comes to a close, the exit doors open wide to invite you to explore the grounds of this national historic site, armed with a true appreciation for what you’re about to encounter. The Hurricane Ivan Memorial uses text, images, and symbols to represent important aspects of the natural disaster that visited the Cayman Islands on the 12th of September, 2004.

The grounds of Pedro St. James are very popular with weddings and events of all kinds all year round and in the past this Cayman icon has hosted many very successful musical events.

Check out the gift shop for a range of Cayman goods, including books, clothes and all kinds of souvenirs to help you remember your visit to this unique Caribbean experience.