Willemstad VS. Willemstad

Index

Two Willemstads in One Kingdom

The Kingdom of The Netherlands has two Willemstads. One in the Caribbean, which is the capital of Curaçao, and one in Noord-Brabant which is a fortified city (Vestingstad). I visited both and wanted to compare them in this blog.

Water

Both Willemstads are closely connected to water. Willemstad in Noord-Brabant lies where the Hollandsche Diep splits into the Volkerak and Haringvliet, while Willemstad in Curaçao has a harbor on the Caribbean Sea. In both places, water plays an important role.

The Shapes Of The Willemstads

Both Willemstads are shaped by water. In Curaçao, a natural harbor divides Willemstad into two districts, Punda and Otrobanda, which are linked by two bridges: the famous pontoon bridge for pedestrians and a high bridge for cars. The other Willemstad has a distinctive seven-pointed star layout with seven bastions. Its fortifications are well preserved, making it possible to walk the ramparts (vestingswallen) around the entire town.

Riffort VS Seven Bastions

Both Willemstads feature defensive structures. In Curaçao, Riffort stands in Otrobanda at the entrance to St. Ann Bay and now houses shops and restaurants. In Brabant’s Willemstad, the defenses consist of seven separate bastions, each named after one of the seven provinces of the former Republic of the Seven United Netherlands.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Versus Protected Cityscape 

The Caribbean Willemstad is UNESCO Heritage Site since 1997. Most people think Willemstad consists of two parts Punda and Otrobanda, but there are two more UNESCO protected neighborhoods in Willemstad, Scharloo and Pietermaai. All four have their own typical colonial heritage buildings and are worth a visit. The other Willemstad is a protected townscape (beschermd stadsgezicht) also worth a visit after or before hiking the rampart around the Brabant version of Willemstad.

Mostly Tourists By Boat

Tourism in both Willemstads is closely tied to the water. In Curaçao, cruise ships dock almost daily in Otrobanda, bringing visitors who can explore, visit the Kurá Hulanda museum and shop in both parts of the city (Punda & Otrobanda). Willemstad in Brabant also attracts tourists by boat, thanks to its two marinas. In addition, the Brabant Willemstad destination offer plenty of other activities, including museums, hiking trails, cycling routes, and water sports.

Sun & Shade

When visiting Caribbean Willemstad, be prepared to spend much of the day in the sun, with little shade or greenery. The northeasterly trade wind and the sea provide some relief. Willemstad in Brabant can also be quite sunny, especially around the marinas and in town. To cool off, the tree-lined sections of the ramparts are a good option.

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