Willemstad
Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao consists of two parts
namely Punda and Otrobanda. Punda itself was established in 1634, when the
Dutch captured the island from Spain. The original name of Punda used to be
de punt in Dutch, in Papiamentu punta which literally means the
point. This later degenerated to Punda.
Otro banda means the
other side. The name originated in 1707 when the first buildings were
constructed on the western side of Santa Anna Bay and Willemstad's inhabitants
needed to distinguish the new part of town from the older part, Punda.
Otrobanda is the historical melting pot, where from the synthesis of many
races, nationalities, cultures and languages, Curaçao's culture
originated.
The Handelskade or Trading Quay in the language of the people known as Awa sá, lies on the Punda site. In former days this quay was known as the waterside. The name of this quay has a historical explanation. Up to the end of the 19th century this was the main mooring place for ships. The most important buildings such as offices and warehouses of Willemstad were situated along the quays. The unique architecture and red tiled roofs call Amsterdam to mind. The tiles came from Europe as ships' ballast. After the ships were discharged, they were loaded with salt from the saltpans for the curing of herring.
The St. Anna Bay, a natural entrance to the Schottegat, separates Punda and Otrobanda. It has been assumed that it was on July 26th, on the "Day of St. Ann", the Spaniards came ashore. This explains the name Bahia de Santa Ana (St. Ann's Bay) for the harbour mouth. To ensure the island, especially the harbour several fortresses were built.
Bridges
Queen Emma Bridge
The Queen Emma Bridge connects the two parts of town, Punda and Otrobanda. This
bridge, known as the swinging old lady, was built in 1888 by Leonard Burlington
Smith and named after Queen Emma who reigned in Holland from 1890 to 1898. The
bridge consists of boats supported by 16 floating pontoons. This explains why
the Queen Emma Bridge is also known as the Pontoon Bridge. It opens en closes
by two powerful ship motors, a process which takes about two minutes. When the
bridge is open to let ships from the harbour pass, pedestrians are transported
free of charge by the ponchi, a small ferry.
Queen Wilhelmina
Bridge
The Wilhelmina Bridge, is named after Queen Wilhelmina from
Holland, who ascended the throne in 1890 and reigned for 55 years. The bridge
was constructed to link the commercial area of Punda with the old residential
neighbourhood of Scharloo. It used to be a drawbridge but after the dock in the
Waaigat was done away with it was modified to a fixed structure.
Queen Juliana
Bridge
This bridge was named after Queen Juliana who was queen in
Holland from 1948 to 1980. This bridge is one of the highest bridges in the
world. It is 185 feet above the sea level of St. Anna Bay, weighs 3,400 tons
and has 4 traffic lanes. It took almost a decade to build this bridge which was
officially openend in 1974. No matter how often you cross the Queen Juliana
Bridge, you will always be delighted with the breathtaking view. Depending from
which side you come from, you can see the entire panorama of Punda, Otrobanda
and the Schottegat. On the Otrobanda side you can pull over to make photos or
videos.
Queen Beatrix Bridge
This bridge is named after
the current queen of Holland, Queen Beatrix who ascended the thrown in
1980.
Markets
There are several
markets in Punda.
Floating market
These boats
sail into the St Anna Bay from Venezuela with fruits and vegetables, returning
when their wares are sold. Fishermen too, are here with their catch.
Public market
The public
market combines the conveniences of a supermarket with the charm of and old
Caribbean market place: meat, fish, locally grown fruits and vegetables are
sold every morning.
The Old Market
Marshe is
open on weekdays for lunch. The atmosphere is very pleasant. There are a number
of shared picnic tables and the good is grilled (BBQ style) on the spot. Here
you can eat fresh fish and other local dishes. Prices vary from NAf 7.50 to NAf
12.50 per meal.