Italy has its Leaning Tower of Pisa. In the Caribbean, we have the Giddy House. Located on the grounds of Fort Charles in the historic town of Port Royal, just minutes from Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, the Giddy House was originally constructed in the 1880’s. Its purpose: artillery storage. A major earthquake in 1907, though, changed the prospects for this place, sinking one side beneath the ground. Walking inside creates somewhat of a dizzying effect as you try to maintain your balance. The bellman at The Courtleigh Hotel who recommended I visit the Giddy House told me I wouldn’t be able to stop laughing once inside, which would explain the house’s curious name. He was right.

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Leaning, Learning, Laughing At Jamaica's Giddy House

Italy has its Leaning Tower of Pisa. In the Caribbean, we have the Giddy House. Located on the grounds of Fort Charles in the historic town of Port Royal, just minutes from Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, the Giddy House was originally constructed in the 1880’s. Its purpose: artillery storage. A major earthquake in 1907, though, changed the prospects for this place, sinking one side beneath the ground. Walking inside creates somewhat of a dizzying effect as you try to maintain your balance. The bellman at The Courtleigh Hotel who recommended I visit the Giddy House told me I wouldn’t be able to stop laughing once inside, which would explain the house’s curious name. He was right.

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