Old Market Square, Roseau (must see)
The Old Market Square, also known as Old Market Plaza and Dawbiney Market Square, stands as a historic landmark nestled in the heart of Roseau. Situated behind what is now The Dominica Museum on the scenic seafront, this vibrant marketplace holds a storied past dating back to colonial times.
During its heyday, the Old Market Square served as a bustling hub of commerce and trade, witnessing the exchange of goods and commodities between Dominica and neighboring islands. From essential provisions to the harrowing trade of enslaved individuals, the square was a pivotal center of economic activity in the region.
However, the square's significance extends beyond commerce, as it also served as a site for public executions, bearing witness to the tumultuous events of the past. Despite its somber history, the square has undergone transformations over the years, evolving into a dynamic space that celebrates the island's cultural heritage.
In 1988, the square underwent a significant renovation, transforming into a vibrant craft center adorned with charming shops and stalls. Today, visitors can explore an array of local crafts and artisanal products, ranging from handcrafted jewelry and traditional T-shirts to aromatic spices and culinary delights.
During its heyday, the Old Market Square served as a bustling hub of commerce and trade, witnessing the exchange of goods and commodities between Dominica and neighboring islands. From essential provisions to the harrowing trade of enslaved individuals, the square was a pivotal center of economic activity in the region.
However, the square's significance extends beyond commerce, as it also served as a site for public executions, bearing witness to the tumultuous events of the past. Despite its somber history, the square has undergone transformations over the years, evolving into a dynamic space that celebrates the island's cultural heritage.
In 1988, the square underwent a significant renovation, transforming into a vibrant craft center adorned with charming shops and stalls. Today, visitors can explore an array of local crafts and artisanal products, ranging from handcrafted jewelry and traditional T-shirts to aromatic spices and culinary delights.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Roseau. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Old Market Square on Map
Sight Name: Old Market Square
Sight Location: Roseau, Dominica (See walking tours in Roseau)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Roseau, Dominica (See walking tours in Roseau)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Roseau, Dominica
Create Your Own Walk in Roseau
Creating your own self-guided walk in Roseau is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Roseau Introduction Walking Tour
Roseau, the capital of the Caribbean nation of Dominica, marks the site of the oldest and most important urban settlement on the island.
Although European ships first appeared off the coast of Dominica in the 15th century, over the next hundred years it was inhabited only by Carib Indians, who settled the area of today's Roseau attracted by the nearby river. The French founded the town on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Although European ships first appeared off the coast of Dominica in the 15th century, over the next hundred years it was inhabited only by Carib Indians, who settled the area of today's Roseau attracted by the nearby river. The French founded the town on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles