An interesting bit of insight, from Willemstad, Caribbean city with European charm | Bon Bini Curacao


Willemstad, capital of Curaçao and the Netherlands Antilles, is one of the richest cities in the world in terms of culture and diversity. The city itself is actually divided in two sections—Punda and Otrobanda—connected by the Queen Emma pontoon bridge. Both sections provide visitors with duty-free shopping. Willemstad covers an area of some 450 square kilometers, and has a population of 135,000, which is composed of 55 nationalities.

Like Havana (Cuba) and San Juan (Puerto Rico), Willemstad is a typical port town. However, it is one without a hinterland, and focused on trade with the surrounding colonies, mainly the Spanish colonies on the South American continental coast, but also with French and English colonies.

According to a comprehensive survey by the government monument bureau there are 750 historic buildings in Willemstad alone, which merit preservation

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Historic Districts


As you explore Willemstad, pay special attention to these historic areas—with their bustling trading ports, duty-free shops, religious centers, and more—to learn all about this incredible city.

Punda
The gorgeous St. Anna Bay divides Willemstad into two major districts—Punda on the east and Otrobanda on the west. When the Dutch captured the island from Spain in 1634, Punda (from “Punta,” or “the point” in Papiamentu) was born. The new leaders began to build a fort, Fort Amsterdam, to protect their settlement, and soon the city began to grow.

Today, the Fort serves as the seat of the Government of the Netherlands Antilles . . .


Otrobanda
In 1707, building permits were granted for Otrobanda, "The Other Side.” The buildings along Otrobanda’s Breedestraat were similar to those in Punda, with commercial space downstairs and living quarters on the upper floors. Off Breedestraat, a grand residential neighborhood was built by those eager for stately mansions reflecting their higher social standing.

In contrast to the neat grid of Punda, Otrobanda is a maze of twisting streets and alleyways, giving the neighborhood its own intimate charm . . .


Scharloo and Pietermaai
Outside Punda and Otrobanda, you’ll find Scharloo and Pietermaai, home to a wealth of gorgeous restored mansions. These two suburbs are listed along with Willemstad on the UNESCO World Heritage List . . .


To read more: Historic districts of Willemstad | Bon Bini Curacao

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