Willemstad

Willemstad

Willemstad is a charming seaside city situated on the southern coast of the island of Curaçao in the Caribbean Sea. It is the capital and chief town of Curaçao, which is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Willemstad is separated into two halves by Sint Anna Bay, which leads to Schottegat Harbour. The two halves, Punda and Otrabanda, are connected by two bridges; the Koningin Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge that swings open to allow ships to pass through, and a fixed bridge completed in 1974. Willemstad is a bustling center of trade, petroleum storage and refining, tourism, and banking, with a rich history and diverse culture. The town is renowned for its colorful and picturesque Dutch-style gabled houses that line the narrow streets of Punda and Otrabanda. These houses are a legacy of the Dutch colonial era and have been beautifully preserved. Important buildings in Willemstad include Fort Amsterdam, which was built in 1635 to guard the entrance to Schottegat Harbour and is now the seat of government; the Dutch Reformed Church, built-in 1769, and the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, which is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere, built-in 1732. Willemstad is also home to several museums that showcase the island's rich history and culture. The Museum Kurá Hulanda, located in the historic district of Otrobanda, chronicles the history of African empires, the slave trade, and the experiences of Africans in the Western Hemisphere. In 1997, the inner city and harbor of Willemstad were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.