The bridge
Oldest swing bridge.
Haakon S. Krohn — CC BY-SA 3.0 · JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD — CC BY-SA 3.0 · ironypoisoning — CC BY-SA 2.0
The emblem of Belize City, a small iron bridge over Haulover Creek linking the city's north and south sides. It was made in Liverpool in 1922 and installed in 1923, the oldest swing bridge in Central America and one of the few left in the world still worked by hand: four men push an iron capstan to turn it on its pivot, opening the way for tall-masted boats. Around the bridge is the old heart of the city: colonial wooden houses with verandas; the Museum of Belize in the old red-brick jail, telling the country's story with Maya pieces; the old white Government House by the sea; and St. John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America, seen from outside. On the seafront, Fort George has its small lighthouse and a waterside walk, and water taxis leave from there for Caye Caulker and San Pedro. Most visitors pass through Belize City quickly on the way to the islands and forests, and two hours cover its centre. Take care in Belize City, especially on its south side and after dark, and use licensed taxis.
Oldest swing bridge.
The old jail.
The lighthouse.
Over Haulover Creek, central Belize City
The historic centre and Fort George are fairly safe by day, but take care on the south side and after dark, and use licensed taxis.