Cayenne is the capital of French Guiana, an overseas territory of France. The city has a history dating back to the colonial period, when it was founded in 1654 as a French trading post. In the early 18th century, Cayenne became an important center for the French colonial administration in the area. During this period, the city was characterized by plantations, and its role as a colonial port played a significant role in the economy of French Guiana. In the late 18th century and early 19th century, Cayenne experienced several periods of political unrest. There were several attacks by British and Dutch forces.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the city was temporarily captured by the British, but returned to French control in 1814. In the following period, the city grew slowly, and its role as the capital was cemented. In 1852, Cayenne became known for housing one of the largest French penal colonies, where many criminals were sent to the harsh conditions of the surrounding areas. After World War II, French Guiana became an official French department. This happened in 1946, and it strengthened Cayenne’s political and economic importance. In the 1960s, the Kourou Space Center was built northwest of Cayenne, giving the region international importance in space travel.

Today, Cayenne is an exciting city with a mixed culture, with strong influences from both mainland France and the indigenous peoples of the region, such as the Amerindians. The city is thus a cultural melting pot, where the French language and French traditions are mixed with local customs and lifestyles. The modern aspects of the city include a strong economic focus on Cayenne’s port, the department’s agriculture, and on tourism, which has recently seen new growth. Cayenne is also an important administrative and political unit for French Guiana, and its location makes it a center for trade and transport in the area.

There are several interesting sights in Cayenne, which offer a number of architectural sights that reflect the city’s colonial past and cultural diversity. For example, you can start a stroll through the city at Place des Palmistes. It is a large, palm-fringed square surrounded by colorful Creole houses with wooden balconies and decorative wood carvings typical of colonial architecture. Not far away is the Hôtel de Ville, Cayenne’s town hall. Built in the early 1900s, it is known for its elegant neoclassical style. In addition, the city’s streets are a mix of French colonial style and local building traditions, giving Cayenne a unique architectural character to explore.

Along the way in the cozy old center you will find the Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur de Cayenne, which is the city’s Catholic cathedral. The church was originally consecrated in the late 19th century, while the current building dates from 1934. The architecture is characterized by neoclassicism with a few tropical adaptations such as a high roof and large openings for ventilation. Historically, Fort Cépérou, a little west of Place des Palmistes and the cathedral, is one of Cayenne’s most important attractions. The fort was originally built by the French in the 17th century, and it is located on a high hill overlooking the city and the Atlantic coast. Although only the ruins remain today, the site gives an impression of the city’s military and strategic importance during the colonial era.

If you want to experience more history, you can visit the Musée Départemental Alexandre-Franconie, which is a regional museum that provides insight into both the original Amerindian culture, colonial history and the natural history of Guyana. You can also visit the Musée des Cultures Guyanaises, a museum that focuses on the many different cultures that live side by side in French Guiana. The museum has collections of clothing, tools, crafts, and photographs that document each group’s contribution to the region’s identity. The Centre d’Interprétation de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine is also interesting. It is a center for architecture and heritage, where you can learn about Cayenne’s urban development, building traditions, and historic buildings.