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Fort Zoutman,
the oldest building in Oranjestad, located just a short block
away from the Renaissance Hotels and directly across the street
from the Governors Office, was erected in 1796 and named
after a Dutch Rear Admiral who has outwitted a British convoy
on the North Sea during the 4th British War.
The Fort is situated on what was then the shoreline of
the island and was armed with four cannons. In 1868, the
Willem III Tower was added to the Fort with Arubas first
public clock and served as a lighthouse. Today, the buildings are museums of our heritage and host the
year-round weekly Bon Bini Festival each Tuesday evening in
the courtyard. |
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The Bon Bini Festival is a celebration of the Aruban
music, dance, cuisine and crafts. Open from Monday through
Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
The Numismatic Museum is located across the street to the left
of the Fort and houses a world-class collection of coin and
paper currency of over 30,000 pieces from 100 countries. Open
from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m.
to 5 p.m.
The original Protestant Church, which also houses a
Bible Museum was built in 1846, an architectural gem nestled
up against the new bigger structure, which serves the
community and our guests is a walk back toward the Sonesta
Hotel and to the right at its intersection. The Bible Museum
is open from Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Archeological Museum, which is a repository of
artifacts and pottery retrieved from numerous diggings around
the island, which clearly define the lifestyles of our
earliest Indian settlers, is located in the courtyard behind
the Instituto de Cultura with its entrance alongside the San
Francisco Church in Oranjestad, diagonally across from the
main Post Office.
The extensive Shell Collection includes rare and
unusual specimens and is located in the home of the Adriaan de
Man family where visitors are welcome but first have to make
an appointment. Please call 824246. |
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