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Fort Beekenburg: A Sentinel of Curaçao's History

Explore Fort Beekenburg, a historic Curaçao landmark offering stunning views and a glimpse into the island's colonial past. Free entry!

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Fort Beekenburg, constructed in 1703, stands as a well-preserved historical landmark on Curaçao's Caracas Bay. This fort, named after Governor Nicolaas van Beek, once guarded the entrance to Spanish Water, protecting the island from invaders. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into Curaçao's colonial past and panoramic views of the coastline.

A brief summary to Fort Beekenburg

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

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the fort involves walking on uneven stone surfaces and climbing stairs.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen, as there is limited shade at the fort.
  • Combine your visit to Fort Beekenburg with a trip to nearby Caracas Bay beach.
  • Visit the fort in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and beautiful sunset views.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Punda, head southeast on Breedestraat toward Scharlooweg. Continue onto Scharlooweg for about 3.5 km. Turn right onto Caracasbaaiweg and follow it for 2 km. Turn left onto Caracasbaai old docks. Fort Beekenburg will be on your left. Free parking is available near the fort.

  • Public Transport

    From Punda, take bus number 6A towards Caracasbaai. Ride for approximately 44 minutes to The Village Marina bus stop. From there, walk for about 20 minutes to Fort Beekenburg. The bus fare is around 2-3 USD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available near popular tourist areas or can be requested through your hotel. A taxi ride from Punda to Fort Beekenburg takes about 15-20 minutes and costs approximately 20-30 USD, depending on traffic.

  • Walking

    From Jan Thiel, walk southeast towards Caracasbaaiweg along the coastline for about 1 kilometer. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes and offers scenic views of the bay.

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Discover more about Fort Beekenburg

Fort Beekenburg, located on the Caracasbaai Peninsula, is a captivating historical site that offers a window into Curaçao's colonial past. Built in 1703, the fort was strategically positioned to defend the Spanish Water, a natural harbor, from pirates and enemy forces. The fort is named after Nicolaas van Beek, the governor who commissioned its construction. The stones used to build the fort were brought from the Netherlands as ballast in ships. These stones replaced goods once they arrived in Curaçao. Throughout the 18th century, Fort Beekenburg successfully repelled attacks by the English, French, and pirates. Although the English occupied Curaçao twice, they were never able to take the fort. The fort consists of a striking round tower, resembling a chess piece, a bastion-like projection, a ring wall, a low battery dating back to 1750, and a guardhouse. The tower has channels that direct rainwater to a reservoir inside, ensuring a supply of fresh water during sieges. Cannons were also placed on the tower's roof and on a hexagonal platform at its base to control access to the Spanish Water. Between 1927 and 2005, the area surrounding the fort was owned by Shell, making it inaccessible to the public. In 2005, the area was sold to the Antillean government and reopened to the public. Today, visitors can explore the fort freely, climb to the top of the tower, and enjoy the stunning views.

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