Government House, Nassau

The official residence of the Bahamas' governor-general, a large pink-and-white colonial mansion set on Mount Fitzwilliam overlooking downtown Nassau. Built in the early nineteenth century in Georgian style, it is fronted by a grand staircase crowned with a statue of Christopher Columbus. The building hosts state functions and a periodic changing-of-the-guard ceremony performed by the police band. Its hilltop position, gardens and commanding architecture make it one of the most recognisable heritage landmarks in the Bahamian capital.