The Queen’s Staircase in Nassau, Bahamas to Undergo $200K Restoration

One of the Bahamas’ most historic landmarks is getting a little extra TLC. 

The Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) has announced the launch of a $200,000 restoration and maintenance project of the Queen’s Staircase at the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex in Nassau, a landmark dating back to the late 1700s. 

“With its historical significance and architectural splendor, The Queen’s Staircase holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors. I am thrilled to be launching this restoration project to ensure it remains a treasured spot for years to come,” said Joy Jibrilu, CEO of NPIPB. “This restoration project reflects the NPIPB’s commitment to improving product quality, development, and tourism infrastructure in Nassau & Paradise Island, and we look forward to seeing our cultural landmark returned to its full glory.”   

The history behind the staircase 
The Queen’s Staircase, also known locally as the 66 Steps, was built by freed slaves between 1793 and 1794 to provide a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. Some accounts say the entire staircase took 16 years to complete. About 600 former slaves carved each step from solid limestone with hand tools and pick axes, and each step is precisely the same height.

Though initially intended to be an invisible route, the remarkable structure was later named for Queen Victoria, who abolished slavery in 1837 and served on the throne for more than 60 years until 1901. The Queen’s Staircase has become a popular attraction in the Bahamas. It now has 65 steps because the bottom step has been paved over. 

“The ingenuity shown by formerly enslaved people, carving sixty-six steps using rudimentary tools into a former limestone quarry, is a remarkable achievement. It is no wonder that for almost 200 years this staircase has become such a prominent tourist attraction,” said Rosel Moxey, Chair of the AMMC Board. “What was once meant to be invisible, has been observed, photographed, and traversed by millions, with many more visitors expected in the future thanks to this project.” 

How NPIPB will revitalize the landmark 
NPIPB is partnering with the Antiquities, Monuments & Museums Corporation (AMMC), Elevations Plumbing, Sign Island and The Bahamas Ministry of Works to restore, maintain, and preserve the Queen’s Staircase, the organization announced this week. 

The project will take about two months to complete and will also include the establishment of a monthly maintenance schedule to ensure the staircase’s ongoing preservation. 

The project will include repairing and restoring the site’s water feature, replacing damaged water pipes, pump, and filter, and cleaning the waterfall and surrounding area. It will also include the installation of LED lights within the water feature for visual appeal and sustainability, replacing the lighting system within the staircase, and improving landscaping and signage around the staircase.