Mona, University district in Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica
Mona is a neighborhood in southeastern Saint Andrew Parish, located about eight kilometers from Kingston near the Mona Reservoir. The area is shaped by the University of the West Indies campus, which houses medical faculties, research facilities, and a teaching hospital.
The site began in 1942 as Gibraltar Camp, a shelter for European refugees during World War II on the Mona Estate. After the war, the grounds became home to the University of the West Indies in 1948, which repurposed earlier buildings for educational purposes.
The University of the West Indies shapes the neighborhood's identity and attracts students from across the region. The campus serves as a meeting point for young people and has influenced the local community through education and research activities.
The neighborhood is best reached from Kingston and is conveniently located in the southeast. Visitors should expect hilly terrain and wear suitable shoes, as exploring the campus involves walking around expansive grounds.
Old structures from the former sugar plantation remain on the grounds, including stone aqueducts and mill works. These remains show the earlier use of the land and create an interesting contrast with the modern academic facilities.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
