Otrobanda in Willemstad, Curaηao, Dutch Caribbean — Caribbean (Dutch Caribbean)
Molenplein 12-19
Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025
1. Molenplein 12-19 Marker
History
This spacious and exceptional merchant's house was built in about 1750, in the heyday of the Curacao baroque architectural style. Some dozens of meters to the North-West of this house stood 'de Vreede' the only grain mill the Otrabanda area has known. The purchase-agreement from 1746 says that the house built on this lot could not be higher than two storeys and a roof. This was to make sure that the building would not reduce the wind to the grain mill. Until the middle of the 20th century this building was used as a residence. In 1980 the property was bought by Stichting Monumentenzorg Curacao which restored the building, now part of the protected UNESCO heritage of Otrobanda.
Description
The basic concept of this baroque style building is a rectangular core surrounded by galleries. These galleries are interrupted by a tall, narrow transverse extension. The eastern gable, being the most important one by facing the harbor, has heavily curved lines ending in curls (volutes). The gable clearly has the characteristics of a Dutch clock gable building. It is remarkable that the gable on the western side is much simpler. As was more often the case with large 18th century storied houses outside old Punda, here too the surrounding galleries on the main floor were built on a series of open
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1750.
Location. 12° 6.404′ N, 68° 56.23′ W. Marker is in Willemstad, Curaηao (Curaηao). It is in Otrobanda. It is on Rialtostraat, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Rialtostraat, Willemstad, Curaηao, 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: St. Martin Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Efrain Jonckheer (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Queen Emma Bridge (about 120 meters away); Leonard Burlington Smith (about 120 meters away); Punda and Otrobanda (about 150 meters away); Luis Brion Monument (about 150 meters away); Hulanda Village (about 210 meters away); de Rouvilleweg 7 (about 240 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willemstad.
Also see . . . Molenplein 12-19 - Curacao Monuments. This website has more information about the building.
Architectural historical and esthetical value because of a.o. the characteristic 18th century inward and outward curved gables and(Submitted on February 27, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)arches. Architectural historical and cultural historical value because of the floor plan typical of Curaηao. Specific value as part of a protected monumental townscape.Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 20252. Molenplein 12-19 Marker - wide view with buildingThe marker plaque is visible on the pillar on the left of the entrance.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
