Punda in Willemstad, Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean — Caribbean (Dutch Caribbean)

Historical centuries old Mikvah

Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025

1. Historical centuries old Mikvah Marker

Inscription. A telltale sign that there was a ritual bath house near the Mikve Israel Synagogue is the name of the alley it is on, Kuiperstraat, literally Dutch for "Bath Street". Locally it is known in Papiamentu as "Hanchi di Bano," which translates to "Bath Alley." This mikvah, which was probably only part of a larger structure, was discovered during the building's renovation in 1969.

The 300-year-old mikvah, a bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion in Judaism to achieve purity, must have been installed prior to the arrival in 1674 of Haham (Rabbi) Pardo to serve the Mikve Israel congregation. The first synagogue in the walled city of Willemstad dates to the same year, 1674. The mikvah was in use at least until 1870.

The mikvah was managed by a banadeira (bather). Women, including brides-to-be, took their ritual bath at nightfall, except for Friday and the eve of Jewish festivals when they bathed in the afternoon. For an hour after dusk men were not allowed on the street leading to the bath or on verandas or in doorways of their homes facing this street.

[Caption]:
Example of Mikvah's drawings

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Women.

Location. 12°

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6.319′ N, 68° 55.971′ W. Marker is in Willemstad, Curaçao (Curaçao). It is in Punda. It can be reached from Hanchi Snoa. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Hanchi Snoa 8b, Willemstad, Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is one of the Lesser Antilles

on the Caribbean Sea,

in in the Atlantic Ocean,

and in North America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Beth Haim Berg Altena (here, next to this marker); Jewish Cemetery Beth Haim at Bleinheim, Curacao (here, next to this marker); Timeline (here, next to this marker); Royal Visit Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Mikve Israel - Emanuel (a few steps from this marker); Mr. Dr. Moises Frumencio Da Costa Gomez (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); This sculpture is called Chichi® (about 120 meters away); Wilhelmina (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willemstad.

Historical centuries old Mikvah Marker - wide view with bath image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025

2. Historical centuries old Mikvah Marker - wide view with bath

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 97 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 26, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.