Colorful Culture & History

The soul of Curaçao is best described by its colorful history and warm, diverse culture. Over the centuries, the island has been a hub for world trade and various peoples. Today, more than 50 different nationalities live together in harmony on Curaçao.

This melting pot of African, European, and Latin American influences is reflected in the architecture, the local cuisine, the music, and of course, the spoken languages, such as Papiamentu. From the pastel-colored canal houses to the centuries-old plantation houses; everywhere you taste the history that makes this island so special.

Willemstad: An Open-Air Museum

Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, proudly stands on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The city is divided into two unique districts: Punda and Otrabanda, connected by the iconic swinging pontoon bridge (Queen Emma Bridge). In Punda, you walk along the world-famous Handelskade with its ochre-yellow, blue, and pink merchant houses. In Otrabanda, you wander through colorful, narrow alleys and literally walk from one breathtaking street-art mural to another.

Important Historical Sites

Kura Hulanda Museum: Located in Otrabanda, this museum offers an impressive and poignant look at the transatlantic slave trade and the complex past of the region.
Historical Plantation Houses: Scattered across the island, you will find beautifully restored plantation houses, such as Landhuis Chobolobo (where Blue Curaçao is made), Landhuis Knip (where the great slave revolt led by Tula began), and Landhuis Daniel.
Forts: From the lively Rif Fort and Fort Amsterdam in Willemstad to Fort Beekenburg in the east; these forts serve as reminders of the battle for the Caribbean waters in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The history of Curaçao is one of extremes, but the resilience of the local population has led to a warm, diverse, and tolerant society.

— Colorful Past