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

Punda and Otrobanda

— Historical Walking Tour —

Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025

1. Punda and Otrobanda Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

(English):
Historic old Willemstad, capital city of Curacao and since December 1997 on UNESCO's World Heritage list is divided into two sections: Punda and Otrobanda. You are now in Otrobanda. The two districts are separated from each other by the Sint Anna Bay. Pedestrians who want to go to the other side, Punda, have to use the Queen Emma pontoon bridge. This oldest and longest floating bridge in the world (1888) rests on 15 pontoons and swings open some 30 times a day (hence the name "swinging Old Lady") to let big oil tankers, container and cruise ships in and out of the harbor.

(Spanish):
Punda y Otrobanda
La antigua e historica ciudad de Willemstad, capital de Curacao y declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO den diciembre de 1997, se encuentra dividida en dos sectores: Punda y Otrobanda. Usted se encuentra ahora en Otrobanda. Estos dos distritos estan separados por la Bahia de Santa Ana. Los peatones que desean ir al otro lado, Punda, tienen que usar el famoso puente flotante Reina Emma. Este puente flotante, el mas largo y antiguo

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del mundo (1888), descansa sobre 15 flotadores y abre unas 30 veces al dia (por eso lo llaman "vieja dama oscilante") para dejar pasar a los grandes buques petroleros, barcos de contenedores y Cruceros. (Marker Number 7/7.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.

Location. 12° 6.322′ N, 68° 56.244′ W. Marker is in Willemstad, Curaçao (Curaçao). It is in Otrobanda. It can be reached from Baden Powellweg. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Baden Powellweg 1, 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: Dr. Efrain Jonckheer (within shouting distance of this marker); Molenplein 12-19 (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); St. Martin Institute (about 180 meters away); Queen Emma Bridge (about 210 meters away); Manuel Carlos Piar (about 210 meters away); Leonard Burlington Smith (about 210 meters away); Dutch Scout Association Monument (about 240 meters away); Language (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willemstad.

Punda and Otrobanda Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025

2. Punda and Otrobanda Marker - wide view

Punda and Otrobanda Marker - the Queen Emma pontoon bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025

3. Punda and Otrobanda Marker - the Queen Emma pontoon bridge

This photo was taken from the Ortobanda side looking toward Punda.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 218 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 27, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.