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. Along with what are now Columbusstraat, Madurostraat, and Handelskade ("Commerce Street"), the up-and-coming Dutch Protestant merchants built their combined offices, warehouses, stores, and living quarters. The basic layout of this area, with its narrow perpendicular streets, hasn't changed much over the centuries.
Otrobanda
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. By 1774, with 300 houses, Otrobanda was as big as Punda. In the 18th and19th centuries, free blacks began to migrate to the city. Some of the spacious Otrobanda yards were built over with more modest living quarters and small craft shops, forming the city's first working class neighborhood and urban center. By the 20th century, Otrobanda had become a major cultural center for the rising black middle class. Many of the island's notable politicians, professionals, artists, and musicians grew up there.
Scharloo and Pietermaai
Outside Punda and Otrobanda, you’ll find Scharloo and Pietermaai, home to a wealth of gorgeous restored mansions. These Curacao historical suburbs are listed along with Willemstad on the UNESCO World Heritage List, commemorating their unique value to the world's cultural and natural heritage.
Escape to the Caribbean’s hidden treasure. Fall in love with Curacao’s world-class diving and beaches, invigorating outdoor adventure, and historic capital city. Make your Curacao Caribbean travel arrangements today!