Otrobanda in Willemstad, Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean — Caribbean (Dutch Caribbean)
de Rouvilleweg 39
Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025
1. de Rouvilleweg 39 Marker
History
This mansion dates from the 18th century. The house belonged to the owner of the shipyard in front of the house along St. Anna Bay. Schooners (a type of sailboat) were built on this shipyard until the beginning of the 20th century. Originally the main entrance of this house was projected at Klipstraat. After the construction of de Rouvilleweg, the back of the building became the main façade. In 1979 the building was bought by the Stichting Monumentenzorg Curaçao, which restored the building in 1994 and saved it from demolition.
Description
The mansion is a nice example of Curaçao's 18th century baroque architecture. Characteristic for this style are the curved gables and the four dormer windows on the saddle roof. The added balcony with a lean-to roof over the full width of the harbor side is spectacular. Originally the building probably had sash windows (a double window opened by a sash cord that lifts up one part of the window). The louvered shutters were added later, they date from the 19th century.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 12° 6.508′ N, 68° 56.082′ W. Marker is in
this page online
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: Feliz Chacuto Labor Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Hulanda Village (within shouting distance of this marker); de Rouvilleweg 9 (within shouting distance of this marker); Fred Arends - The Traditional Dutch Master (within shouting distance of this marker); de Rouvilleweg 7 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Hulanda Village (about 90 meters away); Luis Brion Monument (about 180 meters away); Leonard Burlington Smith (about 240 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willemstad.
Also see . . . de Rouvilleweg 39-41 - Curacao Monuments. This website has additional information about the building.
This 18th–century mansion is depicted on a map of the city from 1754. By the 19th century, it belonged to Anthony Matthey, who also owned the adjacent wharf, still bearing his name today. After his passing, both the wharf and this residence were transferred to a trading company, which later became the Curaçao Trading Company.(Submitted on February 26, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)
Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025
2. de Rouvilleweg 39 Marker - view of house
The marker plaque itself is visible on the pillar just to the left of the entrance gate.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 26, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
