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Fort Beekenburg: A Sentinel of Curaçao's Past

Explore Fort Beekenburg: A historic Curaçao landmark offering stunning views and a glimpse into the island's colonial past.

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Fort Beekenburg, constructed in 1703, stands guard over Caracasbaai, offering visitors a glimpse into Curaçao's colonial history. The well-preserved Dutch fort features a distinctive round tower and provides panoramic views of the coastline and Spanish Water.

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 the best light for photography and to avoid the midday heat.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the fort can be uneven.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited amenities near the fort.
  • Combine your visit to Fort Beekenburg with a trip to nearby Caracas Bay Beach for a swim or meal.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Caracasbaai old docks, walk towards the coastline following signs for Fort Beekenburg. The walk is approximately 10 minutes and offers scenic views of the bay.

  • Public Transport

    From Willemstad, take bus 6A towards Caracasbaai. The bus ride takes approximately 45 minutes, and the bus fare is around $1 USD. Get off at the Caracasbaaiweg - Kaya Zjazjimein bus stop and walk for about 20 minutes to reach the fort.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Willemstad and Jan Thiel. A taxi ride from Willemstad to Fort Beekenburg will take approximately 20-30 minutes and cost around $20-30 USD. From Jan Thiel, a taxi ride will take about 5 minutes and cost $10-15 USD.

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Discover more about Fort Beekenburg

Fort Beekenburg, also known as Het Kasteel, is a historical fort located on the peninsula of Caracasbaai in Curaçao. Built in 1703 by order of Governor Nicolaas van Beek, the fort was strategically positioned to defend the Spanish Water, a vital inland bay, from invaders. Caracasbaai was one of the few locations where enemies could easily land and attempt to capture Willemstad. The fort's architecture is a prime example of Dutch colonial military design. Its most notable feature is the round tower, constructed from stones brought from the Netherlands as ballast. The tower's design includes a system for collecting rainwater into an internal reservoir, ensuring a supply of fresh water even during a siege. Cannons were positioned on the tower's roof and a hexagonal platform at its base to guard the passage to Spanish Water. Throughout the 18th century, Fort Beekenburg successfully repelled attacks by the English, French, and pirates. Although the English twice occupied Curaçao, they were unable to capture the fort. In 1927, Shell built an oil terminal on the island, making the fort inaccessible until 2005 when the area was sold to the Antillean government and opened to the public. Today, Fort Beekenburg is freely accessible and offers visitors a chance to explore Curaçao's rich history. Clear hiking trails lead to the fort's ruins, where visitors can walk along the walls, admire the cannons, and enjoy stunning views of the coastline.

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