The origin of the name Belize is unclear, some say its from the native Maya word beel-is, meaning "muddy water", applied to the Belize River, others say that it is derived from a Spanish pronunciation of the name of the Scottish buccaneer Peter Wallace, who was located in an early settlement along the Belize River.  Belize once being home to the slaves had a sizable population of Africans from the ancient Kingdom of Kongo, who could have brought the name with them, as there is a Belize in Angola as well. Belize City was founded as Belize Town in the mid 17th century at the mouth of the Belize River by the British Buccaneers who used thousands of slaves to harvest lumber and float them down the rivers for export. Today we can still see remnants of the British influences here in Belize City. Two of the major streets in Belize City namely Regent Street and Albert Street are of times gone by when the British had influences in Belize as well as names as Bliss Promenade and Marine Parade. Today we can still see customs that are still being observed without the Belizean citizens knowing their true origins. One of those such customs are people wearing their best clothes and going out to the parks on Sundays to enjoy the parks with their kids. This custom was brought to us by the British who on Sundays would wear wear their best suits and the women their best dresses with parasol in hand took off to the parks for a day of relaxation and meetings with other settlers and their children or a leisurely walk along the promenade or parade.   Today we can still see many remnants of those influences in the British Colonial Architecture located in buildings all over the city. We will cover a few locations for you to see the beauty of Belize City as well as a few historic locations. These locations are certainly a must see because of their historic and architectural value when visiting Belize City.   The first Location we will tell you about is what is currently known as the Belize Supreme Court Building. This was Built in the British Colonial Style with a clock tower facing the four points on the compass. The original courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1818 and in 1926 the courthouse was rebuilt to house the Supreme Court and is currently being used today.

Belize Supreme Court

Saint John's Cathedral - Belize City

Immediately across from Saint John's Cathedral you can find what is now known as the Belize House of Culture.

Belize House of Culture

Baron Bliss Lighthouse - Belize City

Belize Swing Bridge

Holy Redeemer Cathedral was originally built in 1853 just a short distance away from its present location on North Front Street in Belize City. Just 3 years after the construction of the Cathedral was completed in 1856 it was tragically destroyed by the Great Northside Fire. With the determination of the people and the catholic church, just one year later in 1857 the church started rebuilding at its present location to be completed 1 year after in 1857. Its plastered brick walls, massive columns of solid mahogany, and its soaring high altar of classic Greco-Roman design withstood the ravages of catastrophic hurricanes and nearby conflagrations over the years. The passage of time and termites, however, have left their marks. The Holy Redeemer Cathedral has undergone several additions and renovations and today is in dire need of repair that in 2001 they launched a renovation campaign to save its roof, bell towers, stained glass windows, interior woodwork, central portico and side entrances. The Cathedral is still in use today as it was over 150 years ago.

Holy Redeemer Cathedral

Our next location is a narrow strip of  land in front of the Caribbean Sea on the coast of Belize City that was called Barracks, Lindbergh's Field or Lindbergh's Landing. There was once a time in Belize when travel was by horse and carriage and the flight of a well known pilot known as Charles Lindbergh changed the face of Belize and opened up the doors for air transport in Belize.
Colonel Charles Lindbergh also known as the "Lone Eagle" after his triumphant transatlantic voyage was approached by Pan American Airways to fly a goodwill mission to scout new routes in Central America and the Caribbean. He departed Washington D.C. in his famous plane "The Spirit of Saint Louis" just before Christmas on his way to Mexico City then Guatemala City before landing in Belize. Charles Lindbergh arrived in Belize on December 30th, 1927. Coming across the southern border of Belize in overcast weather, Charles Lindbergh  strayed over water and while coming through the clouds turned westward to make landfall around Stann Creek however the only available place with weather permitting him to land was to the north in Belize City. Charles Lindbergh and the Spirit of Saint Louis landed safely in Belize to the excitement of the waiting crowds who immediately surrounded the plane after he landed. This location that Charles Lindbergh chose is a well known area known as Barracks on the north side of Belize City which was once a site used by the Golf, Cricket and Polo Clubs for matches. The site for many years was known as Lindbergh's Field or Lindberg'sh Landing. Today this location has seen development and is now home to BTL Park, Princess Hotel and Casino, Bowen Field as well as Marina Tower.

BTL Park - Marina Tower in Background

Belize has a long standing history in Central America and the Caribbean and is certainly has alot of history that can be seen everywhere you turn. If you would just know where to look you can find many great locations that hold stories if the past. We will cover some of these locations later in great detail revealing their history. We will also cover other sites to visit in other Districts in Belize to include, Orange Walk, Corozal, Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo. Make sure to come back and visit our blog for more fabulous locations in Belize.

Brought to you courtesy of Platinum International Real Estate who has the privilege of working around such great locations in Belize. If you or someone you know are looking to Buy, Sell or Lease Properties in Belize be sure to contact them immediately.

Have you ever wondered what paradise looks like? Do you like to look at breathtaking views? Have you ever wondered what it feels like to walk in the past? Do you want to experience Central American and Caribbean culture and cuisines at its very best? Are you looking for adventure? Are you looking for your getaway location? You can find all this and more in Belize with the help of Platinum International Real Estate and Investments who is dedicated to effectively marketing and selling the finest selection of properties in Belize in all price ranges. Platinum International Real Estate is a FULL SERVICE real estate company whose agents cover the entire country of Belize to include: Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, Belmopan, Cayo, Stann Creek, Toledo and the island communities of San Pedro-Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Turneffe, St. George's Caye among many other areas around Belize. Belize is a small, unspoiled Central American country located on the Western Caribbean coast nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and kissed on her shores by the jeweled waters of the Caribbean Sea. Belize is fast becoming a world renowned destination for tourists and international investors alike. Belize is considered by many of our local and international real estate clients to be the most beautiful and undiscovered spot ideal for vacation and retirement that allows them to enjoy the unique cultural diversity of a Latin American as well as a Caribbean Country, or a place to call HOME. Belize is the ONLY English speaking Central American country due to the historical influences of the British Buccaneers and Colonialists that settled in the country for over a century. It is home to a multi-cultural society made up of Creole, Mestizo, East Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, Garifuna, Maya, and Mennonites just to name a few. Belize's population of approximately 300,000 is a diverse cultural mix of languages and ethnic groups. It is a country rich in culture and tradition and rooted in common beliefs of working together for a strong economy. The Belizean people are very friendly and a simple hello and smile is given everywhere you go no matter who you are or what you do.
Belize consists of approximately 8,866 square miles of land mass and is dotted with 266 square miles of offshore islands. This juxtaposition offers a unique perspective that appeals to everyone from the eco-tourist to the avid water sportsman. People that visit Belize keep coming back to immerse themselves in the rich cultural diversity and the well preserved forests and barrier reef that we call paradise. People enjoy soaking in the cool azure Caribbean waters; taking day trips to its world renowned fishing grounds; snorkeling preservation sites; diving the Great Blue Hole and surrounding waters or taking a hike in the lush protected rain forests that keep the country so serene and steeped in nature. Spelunkers also enjoy the challenge and privilege of being among the few to explore our vast networks of cave systems many of which remain untouched and unexplored. Belize is known for its high concentration of Mayan Temples and meandering rivers - not to mention the exotic wildlife and pristine tropical forests. Inland Belize is a treasure trove of Mayan archaeological temples and ceremonial sites, some of which have remained undiscovered in the jungles for hundreds if not thousands of years. Belize can boast to having the largest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere that is also a World Heritage Site, the largest interconnected Cave System in Central America, the only Jaguar Reserve in the entire world, and more than 500 species of birds guaranteed to intrigue bird watchers or nature lovers alike. Belize truly is an Adventurer's Paradise. The pristine offshore waters of Belize nurture the beautiful crystalline white sandy beaches and is the natural habitat of a wide and diverse marine life ecosystem. Divers, snorkelers, marine biologists, and fishermen have come to recognize Belize as one of the best water-sport destinations in the world. Belize is also praised for its dedication to conservation and preservation of the natural environment.
The preservation of such beautiful places in Belize is essential for generations to enjoy even after we move on and leave our legacy behind.

To learn more about Belize, CLICK HERE.

Photos have been used with permission from Olivera Rusu Photography.