Willemstad, Curacao, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Netherland Antilles Capital Home to Oldest Synagogue, Slavery Museum
Apr 11, 2009
Curacao isn't as well-known as its sister islands Aruba and Bonaire, but it's home to the capital of the Netherland Antilles, Willemstad. For years the island focused on its government and business interests. It's only recently begun pushing itself as a tourism destination.
As well as having its share of beautiful Caribbean beaches to promote, the island is proud of its jewel Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site well worth visiting. The 18th century Dutch colonial architecture of its buildings offers a charming backdrop for touring historic sites, shopping and dining.
Willemstad is Home to the Oldest Synagogue
From the outside the Mikve Israel – Emanuel Synagogue looks much like all the other 18th century Dutch colonial buildings in Willemstad. It's a cheerful yellow with white trim and a red-tile roof. One wouldn't guess it's a place of worship, or suspect it's the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
Mikve Isreal - Emanuel can claim that title because its the oldest synagogue still standing that has has been continuously used for religious services. It was built in 1730 by a Sephardic Jewish community that had relocated to Curacao from Amsterdam.
One of the most interesting aspects of the synagogue is its simple sand floor. The floor is in sharp contrast to the regally appointed sanctuary with its imposing white columns and rich mahogany pews, theba (reader's platform) and hekhal (holy ark where the Torah is kept), accented with tall brass candlesticks and huge brass chandeliers.
Next to the synagogue itself is a museum detailing the history of the congregation and showcasing its historic religious objects and vestments.
Kura Hulanda Museum in Willemstad, Curacao
Museum Kura Hulanda is an Willemstad anthropological museum that explores the primary cultures of Curacao. The museum was created by Jacob Gelt Dekker, owner of the adjacent Hotel Kura Hulanda and Lodge Kura Hulanda. One of the most in-depth areas of the museum chronicles the African slave trade, showing how much of the world either participated in it or was affected by it, and still is.
A mockup of the hold of a slave ship gives visitors a sense of the confined areas slaves had to endure. And a Ku Klux Klan garment in the museum is stained with human blood, serving as a testament to the struggle for civil rights.
Formerly the grounds of the museum were the site of slave trading on the island. But instead of silently ringing with the cries of inhumane treatment Africans experienced there, the place resonates with a great peace. Perhaps that's because its past has not be forgotten and its present is filled with beauty and a giving spirit.
Dekker, a global entrepreneur and traveler, has founded many organizations that assist the children of Curacao, Africa and many other countries across the world. His adjacent luxury hotel is a series of restored Dutch colonial homes, cobblestone streets and lush, green courtyards.
Other Things to Do
In addition to such historical sites in Willemstad, the island also offers attractions such as the Curacao Sea Aquarium and the Dolphin Academy. Curacao also has one of the most colorful Carnival seasons in the Caribbean.
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