Escape Routine On Napoleon's Island Of Imprisonment
Carrying the name Saint Helena reminding of the Constantinople empress sanctified by some of the major religions because she found the relics of the True Cross, this British island is one of the most isolated in the world. Due to its solitary position, the second oldest remaining colony after Bermuda was the place where French iconic figure Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled. The notable name now draws tourists from around the world and the St. Helena coffee, the most expensive in the world, bears fame for once delighting this leader's taste buds.
Ideal for Exile in Solitude
Bonaparte's place of banishment lies in the South Atlantic Ocean and is part of the British overseas territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. Small in size covering only 16 by 18 kilometers (10 by 5 miles), this land spot lies more than 2000 kilometers (1,200 miles) away from any major landmass. St. Helena was the solitude prison for Dinuzulu KaCetshwayo, the king of the Zulu and more than 5000 other prisoners. With Bonaparte's arrival on October 1815, the secluded St. Helena was guarded like never before by troops and ships.
The Beauty of a Prison
Discovered by the Portuguese and named by a Galician navigator, St. Helena was governed since 1659. The pretty island in the South Atlantic carries the name of Helena of Constantinople, a sanctified empress by religions like the Easter Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern and Roman Catholic, Anglican or Lutheran. Nowadays the terrains, volcanic in origin are divided into eight districts, home to a population of about 4200 people. Because of the fertile grounds the island is covered in remarkable vegetation with many indigenous species. The cabbage tree species are some of the endemic flora wonders and the national bird, the St. Helena Plover features even on the coat of arms. There are a number of rockets and islets off the coast of St. Helena which appeal mostly through names like Castle Rock, Black Rock, the Needle and their photographic shapes.
Walking Napoleon's Shoes
Even though St. Helena was the place where Napoleon has lost his freedom, the appeal of the isolated ''jail cell'' has grown with tourists over the years. Whether you want to remember the French warrior figure by visiting the last grounds he ever walked on or you are interested in studying the spectacular flora and fauna of the island named after a saint, St. Helena will definitely be the place to capture your interest. Climb Diana's Peak which is part of the island's first National Park, relax while golfing or birdwatching and taste the St. Helena coffee which has made history.
Live a special experience on Napoleon's island of imprisonment, the secluded St. Helena highlighted through pristine beauty and remarkable flora and fauna.
How to get there?
The pretty island St. Helena where Napoleon faced his exile can be reached by ship only. A direct trip to this isolated drop of paradise can be caught either from Cape Town or from Ascension Island. Traveling from the United Kingdom are also possible but they are not direct and take a longer while.
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