Port of Spain, the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, is renowned for its historic “Magnificent Seven”. The magnificent monuments, which total seven, are found standing in a row. These old buildings of yesteryears are simply remarkable and stunning architectural wonders. The lovely mansions are situated in Queen’s Park Savannah in the heart of Port of Spain.
The seven monuments – Queen’s Royal College, Hayes Court, Mille Fleurs, Ambard’s House, Archbishop’s Palace, Whitehall and Stollmeyer’s Castle – are waiting to captivate you endlessly as you come here visiting during your vacation to Port of Spain. Here’s an insight into some of these architectural marvels.
Queen’s Royal College
The Queen’s Royal College is the main building among the Magnificent Seven mansions. Courtney Knollys, the then acting Governor of Trinidad, laid the foundation stone on 11th November 1902. Daniel M. Hahn designed the building and was its chief architect. The architecture of this building is primarily based on German Renaissance style. It is presently housed in Prince’s Building. It was initially known as the Royal College of Trinidad. The building is presently used as a boy’s college. The Queen’s Royal College is Trinidad and Tobago’s second oldest secondary school and is revered as the bastion of secondary-school education in the country.
Hayes Court
The Hayes Court functions as the residence of Anglican Bishop. This magnificent building is modern looking and intricately designed with stone and glass work. The building was conceived by Mr. Protheroe in 1904 and was originally planned to be a residence for the Anglican Bishop. The building is named after Bishop Thomas Hayes. However, the bishop died in 1904 before the construction of the building was completed. Hayes Court is well preserved and is being since used as a residence of the bishops.
Mille Fleurs
Mille Fleurs, also known as Salvatori House, is among the architecturally refined and most gracious of Magnificent Seven’s buildings. It was originally built by Mrs. Prada in 1904 as a gift for Dr. Enrique Prada, her husband. She named it Mille Fleurs. The couple resided in the building for 19 years before it was sold to Joseph Salvatori, and thus later on came to be known as Salvatori House. Its architectural style is French Provincial. The building is though less ostentatious, but its detailing and finish are of far higher in quality.
Ambard's House
The Ambard's House, also called Roomor, was built in 1904 by Lucien F. Ambard as his family residence. A French architect designed the building. Most of its construction materials have been imported. The marble was procured from Italy, the cast iron elements were brought from Scotland, and the tiles were imported from France.
Archbishop’s Palace
The Archbishop’s Palace was built in 1904. It is presently the residence of Trinidad and Tobago’s Archbishop of Roman Catholic Church. This beautiful architecture has been exquisitely designed and is based on Romanesque-Irish style. The Archbishop’s Palace is currently home to Edward Gilbert, the 9th Archbishop of Trinidad and Tobago. The floors and walls of this building were renovated while preserving the original design of the palace. This is a prominent landmark in Port of Spain.
White Hall
The White Hall was constructed in 1904. It was built by a merchant named Joseph Leon Agostini. The White Hall was built during the same year when most of “Magnificent Seven” buildings came into existence. The building features a Moorish Mediterranean style. The architectural style of the White Hall resembles that of Corsica and Southern Italy because its owner Joseph Agostini was originally from Corsica. This historic building has so far been home to the Trinidad and Tobago Central Library, the British Council Cultural Center, and other government offices.
Stollmeyer's Castle
Stollmeyer’s Castle is among the prominent “Magnificent Seven” buildings. Robert Gillies, famous Scottish architect, is known to be the brain behind the splendid Scottish Baronial design of this building. The Stollmeyer’s Castle, also known as Killarney, was formerly home to the Stollmeyer family. The building is being currently used as the office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
President's House
Besides the “Magnificent Seven” buildings, President’s House is a prominent attraction here. It functions as the official residence of the President of Trinidad and Tobago. The President’s House, which was built in 1876, is situated just nearby the Botanical Gardens in Port of Spain. Prior to the construction of this building, there was a building on the same site. It was called “The Cottage” and functioned as Governor’s residence since 1867.
The President’s House has been exquisitely designed. Local blue limestone has been used to make the stonework façade. Welsh Dutchess slate has been used to cover the roof. Among other features of the building include arched Italian-style doorways and loggias. The columns and railings are of Victorian-style.
Prior to being residence top functionaries including Governor of Trinidad and Tobago, Goivernor-General of the West Indies Federation and later on President of Trinidad and Tobago, the building housed a museum and art gallery.
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