Willemstad (Curaçao)

Our expert Netherlands Antilles

Willemstad (Curaçao)

Willemstad, Curacao, the Netherlands Antilles The capital of the island, overlooking a natural port, has conserved numerous pastel-coloured Dutch-style buildings. © © Gerard Boutin - Hoa Qui

The capital of Curaçao, the biggest of the islands, is Willemstad. This town, with its colonial atmosphere, is located on the southern coast of the island. It spreads out around Schottegat, its vast natural port. In Punda, the old district, you follow the Handelskade, the large quay. Its houses, with Dutch architecture, line up their gabled facades in pink, blue, yellow, and pistachio green. All types of boats coming from South America assemble just beside them, in the floating market. They draw up to sell their wares: fish, vegetables, fruits, etc. Always floating, the Koningin Emmaburg Bridge is reserved for pedestrians and links up with the area of Otrabanda on the other side of the channel. As for monuments, the Mikve Israel Emmanuel synagogue dating from the 18th century is worth a visit. The yard of its Jewish history museum harbours a miqveh, a ritual bath dating back 250 years. Fort Amsterdam, from the 17th century, was the first structure built to protect the town. Today, it serves as the headquarters of Parliament. Climb up to fort Nassau, which offers a view over the port. And go back down to enjoy the South-American nightlife that livens up the island all year round.