Tracing Back History in the Changing Face of Willemstad

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This city cut into two by the bay of Santa Ana is continuously reinventing itself tracing its history from the different faces it has seen.

From the remnants of the original Dutch settlers in the 1630s bringing with them red-tiled roofs to the now pastel-colored residential areas against the sleek gray of modern buildings, a lot has changed in this historic city, but rest assured that its old-age charm remains together with the growing cosmopolitan culture.

LOCATION

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The historic area of Willemstad is situated in the island of Curacao belonging to the area of the Southern Caribbean, where Dutch settlers meant to form an administrative settlement and colonial trading post. As the town progressed, so did the changes.

Influenced by Portuguese and Spanish traders, the modern Willemstad is now a mixture of aesthetic designs. But not only that, their recent autonomy made Curacao a separate country splitting it from the Kingdom of the Netherlands that lead to the dissolution of Willemstad as the capital of Antilles.

CLIMATE

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When visiting Willemstad, the best time would be during the off-peak season when hotel and fare rates are at their lowest and you would not be caught in a crowd of people.

This is typically from the months of May to November. While you may catch the rain in the months of October and November, there is little possibility of hurricane landings in Curacao.

TRANSPORTATION

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Being the capital city, the main airport in Curacao is situated at only eight miles northwest of Willemstad called Hato International Airport (CUR). It serves a majority of tourist traffic and transportation in the airport is readily available, albiet pricey.

Exploring the city is better if you rent a car where you can go at your own discretion. You can still opt for shuttles provided by the hotels or go for public buses but be warned that the service is infrequent.

ATTRACTIONS

Willemstad Market

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As early as 6:00 am in Curacao time, docks in Punda in the other half of Willemstad are already buzzing with energy and activity. Vendors from Venezuela come to the island to sell fruits, vegetables, herbs, and fresh fish as the arid weather of the city cannot support heavy vegetation.

These floating markets stay for months in the island forming a little community by the sea where you can buy an array of different products.

Another popular market is the Old Market also known as the Marsche Bieuw. Crammed with restaurants and open kitchens, this is a stop to eat a hearty lunch with someone and sample the Antillean cuisine.

Historic Sites

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The Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is Willemstad’s most important historic and religious site. Dedicated to the Jewish community in the 17th century, this site is the oldest temple in the western hemisphere that is still in-use. Services are held every 6:30 pm on Fridays and 10:00 am on Saturdays.

Another site of historical importance in Willemstad is Fort Amsterdam. Built in the 1630s shortly after the Dutch settlement was established, this fort is crucial to the growing community of foreign settlers. 

It was the first bastion of defense in the city. However, recent times have transformed it into the Governor’s residence, government offices, Fortchurch, and a museum.

Willemstad Museums

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Willemstad houses four museums in total, but the most popular among them is the Kura Hulanda Museum. The Kura Hulanda Museum, with the first two words meaning “Holland’s Courtyard,” is an anthropological museum built in the former mercantile square – a place where slaves were sold and exported – of a restored 18th century village.

It provides a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the diverse roots of the Willemstad natives and how time has influenced its culture to what it has become now. As expected, the slave trade is highlighted together with the West African Empire, Antillean art, and pre-Columbian gold.

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Images

(1.) http://inlightcuracao.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/sven-verbruci-curacao-willemstad-011.jpg
(2.) http://www.abcislands.se/img/Curacao_map_large.jpg
(3.) http://nightspublications.com/sites/default/files/beaches/Curacao-Beaches_Playa-Portomari_dreamstime_12677951.jpg
(4.) http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/78022624.jpg
(5.) http://www.jacqueslanciault.com/wp-content/HADSC_2409.jpg
(6.) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/SavannahGeorgiaTempleMickveIsrael_2006.jpg
(7.) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJafS5DXJXSG32a4I0j7EpHMVrSTXYTxq6FLbdPmSFuHLtGCybQ_NFzAkH-XKWruwTLIXvyH8GCpmRhh5xLjyI-vDyF1AedH_VE4zU0hFMXEL1XczRTpcwAm7ZSJlCMsBXmUJflvQbriF/s1024-Ic42/Kura-Hulanda-Museum.JPG