Port Royal, Kingston

Port Royal, once known as the "richest and wickedest city in the world," is a historic area located at the end of the Palisadoes at the mouth of Kingston Harbour, in southeastern Jamaica. Established in the 16th century by the Spanish, it was later captured by the English in 1655 and became an important naval base in the Caribbean.

During its heyday in the 17th century, Port Royal was a bustling port city known for its wealth generated by commerce and piracy. Merchants and pirates alike flocked to the city, leading to a thriving, albeit notorious, social scene. However, this golden age came to an abrupt end on June 7, 1692, when a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck, sinking much of the city beneath the sea and claiming thousands of lives.

Today, Port Royal is a shadow of its former glory, but it remains a site of archaeological significance and a place of intrigue for both historians and tourists. The sunken part of the old city is considered one of the most important underwater archaeological sites in the Western Hemisphere, offering a snapshot of life in the late 17th century.

Visitors to Port Royal can explore the remnants of the 17th-century city, including Fort Charles, which survived the earthquake and now houses a museum displaying artifacts recovered from the ruins. The Giddy House, tilted by a later earthquake in 1907, also provides a unique experience for those interested in the area's seismic history.