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Fort Beekenburg: A Sentinel of Curaçao's Past

Explore Fort Beekenburg in Curaçao: a historic Dutch fort with stunning views of Spanish Water, offering a glimpse into the island's colonial past.

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Fort Beekenburg, constructed in 1703, stands as a well-preserved Dutch colonial fortress on the Caracasbaai Peninsula in Curaçao. Overlooking the Spanish Water, it once guarded the island against pirates and foreign invaders, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Curaçao's rich history.

A brief summary to Fort Beekenburg

  • 34CQ+W6R, Caracasbaai old docks, Jan Thiel, CW

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and optimal lighting for photography.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities at the fort.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the uneven terrain.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Caracas Bay Beach for swimming and relaxation.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Willemstad, head southeast on Breedestraat towards Scharlooweg. Continue onto Scharlooweg for approximately 3.5 km, then turn right onto Caracasbaaiweg. Follow Caracasbaaiweg for 2 km and turn left onto Caracasbaai old docks. Fort Beekenburg will be on your left. Free parking is available near the fort. There are no tolls.

  • Public Transport

    From Punda, take bus number 3 towards Jan Thiel from the bus stop near the Queen Emma Bridge. Ride for about 30 minutes to the Caracasbaaiweg stop. From there, walk 15 minutes to Fort Beekenburg, following Caracasbaaiweg. The bus fare is approximately 2-3 USD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available near popular tourist areas in Punda. A taxi ride to Fort Beekenburg takes about 15-20 minutes and costs approximately 20-30 USD, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Fort Beekenburg

Fort Beekenburg, also known as 'The Castle', is a historical fortification located on the Caracasbaai Peninsula in Curaçao. Built in 1703 by order of Governor Nicolaas van Beek, the fort was strategically positioned to defend the Spanish Water, a natural harbor, from potential attacks by pirates and enemy forces. The location was chosen because the Caracas Bay was one of the few locations where enemies could easily make landfall. The fort's architecture is distinguished by its round tower, constructed from stones brought from the Netherlands as ballast. These stones were used to build a solid structure with evenly spaced notches for cannons. The tower is the most prominent feature of the fort, resembling a rook chess piece. A stone staircase leads to a platform with battlements where cannons once stood. Throughout the 18th century, Fort Beekenburg played a crucial role in defending Curaçao against various attacks. Although the English occupied Curaçao twice, the fort successfully repelled attacks by the French and pirates. In 1927, the area surrounding the fort became an oil terminal operated by Shell, restricting public access until 2005 when the land was sold to the Antillean government and reopened to the public. Today, Fort Beekenburg is open to visitors with no admission fee. Visitors can explore the fort's grounds, climb to the top of the tower, and enjoy panoramic views of the Spanish Water and the coastline. The fort is a reminder of Curaçao's colonial past and a testament to the island's strategic importance in the Caribbean.

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