Sint Willibrordus

Sint Willibrordus

Sint Willibrordus is a charming village situated in Bandabou, on the western half of the beautiful island of Curaçao. It is located northwest of the Bullen Bay and is about 25 km away from the capital city, Willemstad. The village has a rich history and was named after its Roman Catholic church, which was dedicated in 1888. Before this, the town was known as Buitenbosch or, as it is called in the local language, Papiaments, 'Mondi Afó'. The village's Roman Catholic church is a sight to behold and is a testament to the impressive architectural skills of Evert Margry, a Rotterdam architect. The church was constructed between 1884 and 1888, and the first stone was laid by Vincentius Jansen. The neo-Gothic style of the church is imposing and awe-inspiring, and it is one of the most remarkable structures on the island. The village is located just a few kilometers away from two of Curaçao's picturesque bays: Porto Marie Bay and Daaibooi Bay. These bays are popular with tourists and locals alike and offer a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The crystal-clear waters of these bays are teeming with marine life and are a joy to explore. The village is also home to some of the salt pans that are no longer in use, including the salt pan Rif St. Marie, which was one of the oldest plantations on the island. Although now in a state of disrepair, these salt pans are an important part of the island's history and are still home to a range of wildlife, including flamingos. Visitors to the village can often see these magnificent birds in the salt pans. Finally, the village is also home to the rock formation known as El Indjan, which is a must-see for anyone interested in geology and the natural world.