This video takes you on a walking tour of Willemstad, Curacao, a Dutch Caribbean World Heritage Site. Join Trudy as she shows you the highlights, such as, Rif Fort, Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, Kura Hulanda Museum, Handelskade, Outdoor Market, Wilhelmina Park & Street Art. Also, this includes entertaining music from local musicians throughout the video. Enjoy!
Located in the southern Caribbean this island is referred to among the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. These Dutch Caribbean destinations are just 50 miles north of Venezuela. All 3 islands have a dry, riverless terrain. Also, they lie outside Hurricane Alley. Willemstad’s waterfront is picturesque with pastel-colored Dutch colonial architecture.
The Dutch captured this island from Spain in 1634. It became a major center for the Atlantic slave trade. Further diversification developed as the Sephardic Portuguese Jews from Amsterdam settled here. Overall, 3 historic neighborhoods in Willemstad became established: Otrobanda (Spanish), Punda (Dutch) and Pietermaai (Jewish). The iconic Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge connects Otrobanda and Punda districts, crossing the Sint Anna Bay. Today 80% of the population is Dutch Caribbean. Today, the Scharloo District is revitalized with colorful street art.
Punda became a walled city with Fort Amsterdam for defense. In 1861 they demolished the walls. Later, Otrobanda became founded as a cultural center for Willemstad. The local languages are Papiamento (creole) and Dutch.
Also, for more information on Curacao, check out my blog at https://truewindhealingtravel.com/willemstad-curacao-attractions-top-15/