Zion's Hill

Zion's Hill sits on the shoulder of Saba above the airport, known for most of its history as Hell's Gate, a name the village has been steadily replacing. Its church, Holy Rosary, is built of stone in a way that makes it look older than it is. Women here made the drawn-thread work known as Saba lace, and the road below runs down to the airstrip on its shelf of rock. The name Hell's Gate is said to come from the rough ground below the village rather than from anything about the place itself.

What you actually see

• Holy Rosary church - stone-built and looking older than its date.
• The two names - the village known both as Zion's Hill and Hell's Gate.
• The airport view - the airstrip on its shelf of rock below.
• The lace tradition - the drawn-thread work made in this village.

When to go

December to April is drier. Cloud is frequent on the shoulder. Hurricane season runs June to November.

Honest expectations

There is very little in the village and an hour covers it. The road is steep and narrow throughout. Facilities are essentially none.

Nearby

The airport is below, and Windwardside is southwest.