The penal colony of Cayenne (often called Devil’s island), originally named Cayenne de Saint Louis, was an important French penal settlement which operated from the early 19th century up to the 1970s in the Paradise’s islands of French Guiana. Open from 1852, this prison-like penal colony received criminals from the prison of Saint-Laurent-du-Marchionnac.
After being transferred to Cayenne, the majority of prisoners were relocated to a Christian rehabilitation center, the Santo Domingo Capacao (the Red House). A few prisoners were sent to the penal settlement of Saint-Georges-sur-Mer in French Guiana, while others remained at Cayenne. After the death of Louis-Philippe de Cayenne in 1930, the penal system at Cayenne became operational as an official penal institution, and in 1963 the first prisoner arrived.
About Prisoners
The majority of the prisoners in Cayenne were criminals from Guiana and France. It was also used as a prison for those who had escaped from the island. However, since it was the main island for French penal settlement, many French and Guianese men came to live here for their own reasons. This island has become a popular holiday destination for tourists because of its natural beauty, as well as the large number of French inhabitants that live on this island.
In the early 1960s, the French government was faced with several concerns about the island, mainly because of the growing number of Christians on the island. Because of this, the penal island of Cayenne was opened to all kinds of religious denominations, and it became more welcoming towards the French and Guianese Christian population. There were also many churches in Cayenne and the surrounding areas, which attracted the attention of the island’s former prisoners.
Churches In Cayenne
There are many churches in Cayenne and in other parts of French Guiana and the mainland, but none is as popular as the Church of Santo Domingo Capacao in Cayenne. This church is especially popular with Christians, and most people who come here find it difficult to relax or to spend time in peace. There are also many churches for the Muslim community, such as that of the Al-Shifa mosque. in Cayenne.
The Church of Santo Domingo Capacao was built in 1857. The main purpose of this church is to help the Guianese Christian population, to serve as a place of worship, and also to act as a place of comfort for the poor. The church is also used as a prison by the state prison authorities, and is a great way to learn about Christianity. In addition, this church is used as a place for religious education by the residents.
Do Recreational Activities
Despite being a prison, the devil’s Island has its own recreational activities, such as the beach of La Cabeza de Ruy. This beach offers beautiful and relaxing water sports, including boating and windsurfing, and also has a number of restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. There is a resort hotel on the northern end of this beach, where visitors can stay and enjoy the warm Caribbean breeze and sunshine.
Another popular attraction on Devil’s Island is Santa Cruz Island, which has the most popular beach in Cayenne. This is perfect for a day trip from Cayenne, as well as a relaxing getaway. The island has a wide variety of hotels, resorts, and other accommodations, offering every possible kind of accommodation in one location.
Major Tourist Attractions
Other popular attractions include the St. Louis Cathedral in Cayenne, the church of San Francisco de Cayenne, which are a major tourist attraction, and the Spanish-style chapel of Santa Cruz. On the western tip of the island, there are also a number of old Spanish colonial buildings, all of which are home to unique architecture, and each with its own unique character.
The Devil’s Island also features some of the most spectacular sceneries of any Caribbean island. The most popular are the Ponce Caye and the Aruba, where there are also many bird species, and the famous blue-green sea turtles, and many other varieties of birds.
Wrapping Up
For those who love the sea, there are many water sports and activities to be enjoyed, along with many historical sites, and a number of beautiful beaches.
