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Architecture of St. George's
 The iconic pastel houses of St. George’s linger in visitors’ minds long after they return home. Square and compact, early Bermuda cottages followed British styles of the 1600s whilst using indigenous cedar for the walls and palmetto to thatch the roofs. When neither material proved durable in storms and high winds, they were replaced with limestone. A fine example of an early Bermuda cottage is the Old Rectory at 1 Broad St., built around 1699. (297-4261)
Over time, cement blocks replaced limestone construction, although limestone continued to be used for the terraced roofs. Decorative as these roofs are, their most important function is to direct rainwater into a cistern beneath the house. Roofs are regularly whitewashed or painted with special paint to keep the family’s water supply clean and drinkable. Many older homes in St. George's have the tanks on the side of the house, such as the St. George's Historical Society's Mitchell House.
Many contemporary homes continue to follow traditional Bermuda cottage style, complete with a “welcoming arms staircase.” Narrower at the bottom than at the top, the stairs seem to embrace a visitor who climbs them.
 Charming architectural details personalise many Bermuda homes: a cleverly positioned window; an exterior staircase placed flush against a wall to save space; a handsome moongate in a carefully tended garden. Adding to the charm of many cottages, homeowners often assign them clever or whimsical names painted on ceramic plaques or on beautifully handcrafted signs.
Built in 1620 to house Parliament, the State House on Princess Street is Bermuda’s oldest existing building. Italianate in style, the House was a defensive building, and its flat roof was used as a lookout. However, it also held water and proved impractical. From this experience, Bermudians realised that terraced roofs prevented leaks and aided in conserving water, and adopted the terraced style that continues to this day. (292-2480)
Built by a wealthy merchant, Mitchell House on Duke of Kent Street and Featherbed Alley is an outstanding example of 1730s residential architecture. Now home to the St. George’s Historical Society Museum, its features include welcoming arms stairs; a long, terraced roof; a ground-level storage area; and intriguing chimneys. A number of “add-ons” supplied additional living space as the needs of prior owners changed. (297-0423)
 Construction of the Globe Hotel in King’s Square began in 1699. Planned as a governor’s residence, it was built of the finest materials, including cedar beams and stone walls. The large building has four chimneys and four symetrical rooms on each floor. The house became a hotel in 1860 and later was bought by the Bermuda National Trust, which operates it as a museum. (297-1423)
Historic St. Peter’s Church on Duke of York Street is the third church built on this same site. The original cedar and thatch church lasted only seven years. Its replacement lasted almost 100 years until it was destroyed in a 1712 hurricane. A new church was built using salvaged cedar, making it one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in Bermuda, both for its exterior design and for its beautiful interior. (297-2459)
As you wander the streets of St. George’s you will encounter Georgian-influenced structures, Italian Renaissance-style buildings and an occasional Gothic surprise. The most notable Gothic structure is known simply as The Unfinished Church. Construction began in 1870, but lack of funding halted the project for good in 1899. Today it is just a scenic ruin.
Relax, enjoy, save and see Bermuda by bus. A blue or pink pole indicates bus stops. If the pole is topped with blue, the bus travels from Hamilton; if the pole is topped pink, the route is toward Hamilton.
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