Roseau

Roseau is one of the poorest capitals in the Caribbean. It was originally founded on the site of the ancient Island Carib village of Sairi and it is the oldest settlement in Dominica. There are many colonial buildings, many of which are partly stone and partly wood. Dominica's mountains form a spectacular backdrop to Roseau. The waterfront is a very lively area and includes a promenade and a cruise ship dock, but most other quarters in Roseau are laid back and quiet.

Roseau's Old Market is a cobblestone plaza that used to be the city's slave market. A Victorian-style memorial marks the old block, where slaves were auctioned, while the Dominica Museum has interesting exhibitions on the slave trade, as well as on Creole and Amerindian culture. Other interesting sights in Roseau include the old stone Catholic cathedral, the botanical gardens and the Anglican church. The public library was built in 1905 and funded by U.S. philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Fresh fruit and vegetables can be bought from Rosea's public market. When fresh fish arrives, a conch shell is blown as a signal.

There are several hotels and restaurants in Roseau. The capital lies on Dominica's southwestern coast.