Desenkadená: A Symbol of Freedom

A powerful monument in Willemstad, Curaçao, commemorating the Curaçao Slave Revolt of 1795 and its leader, Tula, symbolizing freedom and resilience.

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Curacao
Willemstad
Otrobanda
Desenkadená; Unchained (Tula Monument)

Desenkadená, also known as the Tula Monument, is a powerful monument in Willemstad, Curaçao, commemorating the Curaçao Slave Revolt of 1795 and its leader, Tula. The bronze sculpture depicts the breaking of chains, symbolizing the fight for freedom and the end of slavery. Located in the Parke Lucha pa Libertat (Park of the Fight for Freedom), the monument serves as a reminder of the island's history and the struggle for human rights. It is a moving and thought-provoking site, inviting visitors to reflect on the past and the ongoing pursuit of equality. The monument is easily accessible and offers a profound cultural experience, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Curaçao's heritage and the history of slavery. The site also serves as a location for annual commemorations, reinforcing its importance to the local community.

A brief summary to Desenkadená; Unchained (Tula Monument)

4352+9FW, Willemstad, Otrobanda, CW

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit on August 17th for the annual Fight for Freedom Day commemoration to witness local traditions and pay respects.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Kura Hulanda Museum for a deeper understanding of Curaçao's slavery history.
Take a moment to reflect on the monument's message of freedom and resilience while enjoying the scenic coastal views.

Getting There

Walking

From the Queen Emma Bridge in Punda, cross into Otrobanda. Upon exiting the bridge, turn left and walk along the waterfront. Continue past the Renaissance Mall and Rif Fort. The Desenkadená monument will be on your left, within the Parke Lucha pa Libertat. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.
Public Transport

From the main bus terminal in Punda, take a Konvoi bus or a smaller 'BUS' to Otrobanda. Ask the driver to stop near the Rif Fort or the roundabout close to the baseball stadium. From either of these points, the monument is a short walk away (5-10 minutes). Expect to pay around 2 ANG for a single bus fare. Keep in mind that the buses have no fixed bus stops.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Willemstad. Request a ride to the Tula Monument or Parke Lucha pa Libertat in Otrobanda. A short taxi ride from Punda or the cruise terminal will cost approximately 25-35 ANG, depending on traffic and distance.
Driving

If driving, navigate to Otrobanda and follow signs towards the Rif Fort. Free parking is available near the baseball stadium, a short walk from the monument. Alternatively, paid parking is available at the Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort. Paid parking costs 1 ANG per hour, with an additional 0.50 ANG for every extra half hour.

Discover more about Desenkadená; Unchained (Tula Monument)

Desenkadená, meaning "Unchained," is more than just a monument; it's a profound symbol of freedom, resilience, and the enduring fight against oppression. Located in Willemstad, Curaçao, this striking bronze sculpture, also known as the Tula Monument, commemorates the Curaçao Slave Revolt of 1795 and its courageous leader, Tula Rigaud. The monument stands in the Parke Lucha pa Libertat, a space dedicated to remembering and honoring the struggle for liberation. The central sculpture depicts three figures: two men and a woman. The central figure, representing Tula, is captured in the act of breaking the chains that bind the others, symbolizing the moment of liberation. The figures are powerful and emotive, conveying the strength and determination of those who fought against slavery. The revolt, led by Tula, began on August 17, 1795, when he and a group of fellow enslaved people refused to work and demanded their freedom. Inspired by the Haitian Revolution and the ideals of the French Revolution, Tula argued that if freedom was a universal right, it should also apply to the enslaved people of Curaçao. The uprising spread across the island as more enslaved people joined the cause, seeking to end the inhumane conditions and oppression they faced. Though the revolt was ultimately suppressed, with Tula and other leaders brutally executed, their actions sparked a flame of resistance that contributed to the eventual abolition of slavery in Curaçao in 1863. Tula is now revered as a national hero, a symbol of courage and the fight for human rights. The Desenkadená monument was created by Curaçaoan artist Nel Simon between 1996 and 1998. Simon, known for his sculptures that reflect African culture, masterfully captured the spirit of the rebellion in this powerful work. The monument was placed on the south coast of Willemstad in 1998, on the site where Tula was executed, solidifying its significance as a place of remembrance. In front of the main sculptural group, a separate statue depicts an outstretched arm holding aloft a broken chain, further emphasizing the theme of freedom and the breaking of the bonds of slavery. A plaque near the monument bears the inscription "Free at last" in both English and Dutch, along with the date March 10, 1795, commemorating Tula and the day of his execution. Every year on August 17th, Curaçao commemorates the Fight for Freedom Day at the Desenkadená monument. Government officials and community members gather to honor Tula and the other rebels, reaffirming their commitment to justice and equality. The site has also been recognized by UNESCO as a place of peace and culture, further highlighting its importance to the island's heritage. Visiting Desenkadená is a deeply moving experience. The monument serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit. It invites visitors to reflect on the past, to learn about the history of Curaçao, and to consider the ongoing struggle for human rights around the world. The monument's location on the coast provides a beautiful backdrop, but the true beauty lies in the message it conveys: that freedom is worth fighting for, and that even in the face of oppression, hope can prevail. While visiting the monument, take time to explore the surrounding Parke Lucha pa Libertat. The park offers a peaceful space for contemplation and reflection. Consider visiting the Kura Hulanda Museum in Otrobanda, which provides a comprehensive and unflinching look at the history of slavery in Curaçao and the transatlantic slave trade. This museum offers valuable context for understanding the significance of the Desenkadená monument. Desenkadená is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a place of remembrance, a symbol of hope, and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. A visit to this monument is an essential part of understanding Curaçao's history and culture, and it is an experience that will stay with you long after you leave the island.

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Desenkadená: A Symbol of Freedom

A brief summary to Desenkadená; Unchained (Tula Monument)

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

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Discover more about Desenkadená; Unchained (Tula Monument)

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Tula Statue

Freedom monument

The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive, Curio by Hilton

Kas di Piskado Purunchi

Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton

Turquoise - Dream

Omar Bin Al-Khattab Mosque Curaçao

Historic Building Palm Studio Curacao Willemstad City Center

Burgerlijke Stand Curacao

Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort

Curaçao Monumental Apartments

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Double Reef

Zakitó Welcome mural

Mangrove Beach Resort swing

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The Curaçao Museum

MV Superior Producer - Curaçao Iconic Shipwreck

Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park

Playa Zakitó (beach)

Fort Waakzaamheid

Curaçao Cruise Terminal

Gouverneur van Slobbeweg

Cruise Pier Curaçao

Otrobanda

Curaçao Carnaval

Huize Batavia

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Tavern Seafood Restaurant

The Food Street

Saltwater Rifterrace

Plu Cafe

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Porto Curaçao Restaurant

Douwe Egberts Café

Gondola

Kaya91 Curacao

Xingki Bar Restaurant

Steak & Ribs

Ceviche 91 gastrobar

The Pancake Sensation

Ocean House 19 - Seafood Bistro & Bar

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Colon Winkelcentrum

Freeport Jewelers

Capri curacao

wavelife

PRAIA Brazilian Beachwear

Soho Boutique

MomCo Curacao

Cariloha and Del Sol

Blissful Waves

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Graficos Fashion

SUPERLINE OTRABANDA Curacao

Notion Exclusive Men & Children Clothes

I love Curacao #The hidden beauty of the Caribbean

Renaissance Mall & Rif Fort

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Flamingo Beach Bar

Coco Pool Bar

Pera Lobby Bar & Patisserie

Blastbar qrasow

Blue bar