This mystic neighbourhood's name literally means "sacred mountain". The place was traditionally occupied by the Gitanos (Romani people). A series of roads winding up the mountain are flanked by caves that are literally carved out of the side of the mountain. They served as the original dwellings for this area's first inhabitants. Many of the caves are still used as houses; others have been converted to restaurants and bars.

Now the city's main cathedral, it was built among a bit of controversy in the mid-20th century, as it replaced the original city church on Parque Vidal. It is home to a white statue of the Virgin Mary which was mysteriously lost for several decades, only to be found in a ditch and finally returned.

The many winding steps of Charlotte Amalie were built in the mid 1700s. The bricks for the steps were brought all the way from Denmark as ballast in the empty hulls of the sailing ships. The picturesque 99 steps attract the most foot traffic and cameras. How could one resist this narrow stairway, adorned with flowers on both sides! The original name if the street can be translated as the Greater Tower Street. The steps lead to the Blackbeard’s Castle — a 17th century watch tower. The tower has been closed to visitors since Hurricanes Irma and Maria, but the view from up above is still stunning.