Rose Hall Great House and Montego Bay
Climb inside your comfortable tour van and head to Rose Hall Great House to tour the home and gardens as you learn about the slaves and its infamous owner, Annie Palmer. Legend has it she lived here in the early 19th century and killed three husbands as well as several male slaves she took as lovers before she herself was murdered by one of her slaves. Locals dubbed her the White Witch of Rose Hall as it is said her ghost can be seen in the upstairs portion of the house. Her legend lives on in the Johnny Cash recording"The Ballad of Annie Palmer."
Learn about Montego Bay's early days as a sugarcane port as well as its darker days of slavery. Head to the heart of the city and stand on the cobblestone streets of Sam Sharpe Square, named after a national hero who was hanged for leading the revolt against slavery in 1832. While in the main square you will see other notable spots such as the civic center and the National Heroes Monument. Amid the colorful Georgian-style buildings you will find the Cage, a small stone structure that was once used as an overnight jail for vagrants and drunks. While here, browse the shops and pick up a souvenir or two.
Continue to the town of Montego Bay and learn the stories and secrets beginning with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1494. Hear about Montego Bay's early days as a sugarcane port as well as its darker days of slavery. Head to the heart of the city and stand on the cobblestone streets of Sam Sharpe Square, named after a national hero who was hanged for leading the revolt against slavery in 1832.
While in the main square you will see other notable spots such as the civic center and the National Heroes Monument. Amid the colorful Georgian-style buildings you will find the Cage, a small stone structure that was once used as an overnight jail for vagrants and drunks. Stop at St. James Parish church to see the elaborate stained glass window installed in 1911. This 200-year-old church is laid out in the shape of the classic Greek cross and is surrounded by centuries-old tombstones.
Complete your tour with a quick dip in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea before your return to the Port of Falmouth ($6 beach entrance fee). If you love history, this is the tour for you.
Please Note: Cameras are not allowed inside Rose Hall Great House. Remember your swimsuit, sunscreen and a beach towel.
Rose Hall Montego BayJuly 30, 2018
Reviewer: Lora Cotton
My husband and I really enjoyed the legend of Rose Hall mansion. The guide was very knowledgeable of the history and told the story with great pride. St the end of the tour by the tomb she song the Ballard that was written about the mistress of the manor. I recommend this tour to everyone. Hey
exclusion tourMay 24, 2018
Reviewer: J,Ruiz
I was just there and it was wonderful and like the Hospitalitee.bus diver and tour guy Carlos and juon are very helpful and on point on what they do
Rose Hall excursionApril 02, 2018
Reviewer: Sherry Acevedo
Had a wonderful time. Tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. Lunch was delicious.
Amazing DayMarch 01, 2018
Reviewer: Jim and Natasha Nichols
Aneke and J'Noe were the best tour guides we've had in ages. They took time to show us the sights in Montego Bay, took us to a local lunch spot when we asked if that were possible, made time for us to see one of the historic churches and of course, our visit to Rose Hall. They were helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, funny and simply delightful. Many thanks for an amazing tour.
Personal attention and personable staffFebruary 28, 2018
Reviewer: William Morgan
Finding the tour was our only stumbling block as the meeting point is under the tent in the parking lot just outside the cruise area. Guide was interested in her work and in sharing Jamaica with us. Rose Hall is worth a visit and we have not previously had Montego Bay as well explained.
