The writer explains: This book is based on a sign posted walk of significant buildings and
places in Gustavia, a project created and presented by me to the municipality of Saint Barthélemy in
2004. It is both an architectural and historic guide to Gustavia with focus on the period 1785-
1878, a time when the island was under Swedish rule, and a period in which Gustavia was founded
and formed into what it still looks like today. Taking a stroll in this compact town, with its one
way streets and urban character, is a good way to discover its identity. The walk is outlined on the
map located on the first page of this book; every number refers to a building or place that I consider
has an architectural, historic or cultural significance. The book begins with an introduction that
aims to put the island in wider perspective an introduce the reader to the fascinating town of
Gustavia. The book is written in the three languages: French, English and Swedish. It is bound
in 120 pages with many illustrations in color. The old illustrations are found in different archives
in Sweden and Saint Barthélemy and the photos are taken from 1994 to today.
It is easy to fall in love with Gustavia, the capital of Saint Barthélemy. This small scale town with
its cosmopolitan culture is unique. It is charming in its nestling on the hillsides around a naturally
protected port. A port decorated by beautiful yachts from all over the world. During more than
a decade I had the privilege to get to know Gustavia. The fact that it is one of few colonial towns
built by Swedes has made it interesting for me as a Swedish architect. I have studied Gustavia from
different angles, in theory for my diploma about the former town hall and in practice while living and
working as an architect on the island.

Jenny Stening—Arkitekt MSA