Haiti: Port-au-Prince – Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread Houses are ornate turn-of-the-century buildings unique to Haiti, and should probably be awarded a UNESCO designation one day.The Gingerbread style became popular in Haiti between 1880 and 1920, during a period of economic prosperity and modernization following the country’s independence – a total contrast to what Haiti look like now . It was influenced by European architectural trends, mostly Victorian styles, combined with local Haitian adaptations to the tropical environment. The Gingerbread style is characterized by steep, pitched roofs, large verandas, and decorative wooden trim, feature high ceilings, large windows, and open floor plans designed to promote ventilation in Haiti’s hot and humid climate. Port-au-Prince used to have row and rows of these colorful buildings, but the earthquake of 2010 and the following economic degradation, and especially recent gang warfare has left many destroyed. A few are still being restored and owned by the government – could become a tourist attraction one day.
