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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Otrobanda in Willemstad, Cura็ao, Dutch Caribbean — Caribbean (Dutch Caribbean)
 

Hulanda Village

Bon Bini to our beautiful village

 
 
Hulanda Village Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025
1. Hulanda Village Marker
Inscription. Discover everything Kura Hulanda Village has to offer.

History
---1707---
The history of the Kura Hulanda neighborhood begins in 1707 with the granting of plots on the westside of the St. Anna Bay. In Ser'i Otrobanda the buildings came about quite gradually. The street pattern in this area developed randomly because of a lack of urban planning.

---1875---
In the middle of the 19th century the grounds on the hill slowly developed into a residential area. Mansions in neoclassical style emerged from 1875 onward, marking the beginning of the prime of the Kura Hulanda area. Economic activities increased around the harbor leading to population growth.

---1970---
In the second half of the 20th century fundamental changes affected the atmosphere in the quarter. Around 1970 the Arubaweg ramp to the Juliana Bridge was built straight across the historic part of Otrobanda, separating Kura Hulanda from the western part of the neighborhood. Living in the quarter became less attractive and many inhabitants moved elsewhere. The abandoned buildings became a breeding ground for drugs and prostitution and in the 1980s there was little left of the once so lively neighborhood.

---2001---
In 2001 the Kura Hulanda hotel was founded by Dutch entrepreneur Jacob
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Gelt Dekker. By investing in the area Dekker made sure that numerous historical buildings were saved that would have otherwise been permanently lost.

---Now---
Now the time has come to turn Kura Hulanda back into a Curacao neighborhood. A self-renewable place where past, present and future are intertwined. A place that triggers your senses and enriches your mind and soul. Join us on this adventure!

More about us
Let the cobblestone streets of Kura Hulanda Village take you through this vibrant UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich history and amazing local shops and cuisine. Take time to experience the village vibe and make sure to discover all it has to offer by scanning the QR code.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & ViaductsIndustry & CommerceSettlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites series list.
 
Location. 12° 6.484′ N, 68° 56.089′ W. Marker is in Willemstad, Cura็ao (Cura็ao). It is in Otrobanda. It is on De Rouvilleweg, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: De Rouvilleweg 16, Willemstad, Cura็ao, 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: de Rouvilleweg 9 (a few steps from this marker); de Rouvilleweg 39
Hulanda Village Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025
2. Hulanda Village Marker - wide view
(within shouting distance of this marker); Fred Arends - The Traditional Dutch Master (within shouting distance of this marker); de Rouvilleweg 7 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hulanda Village (within shouting distance of this marker); Feliz Chacuto Labor Memorial (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Luis Brion Monument (about 150 meters away); Leonard Burlington Smith (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willemstad.
 
Also see . . .
1. Kura Hulanda Social Media Page. This is the webpage that is linked from the QR code on the marker. (Submitted on March 1, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.) 

2. Kura Hulanda Village.
With the historic value in the back of their minds a group of local investors has renovated the area to a lively neighborhood. Open to the public as well as hotel guests and residents. A variety of restaurants, bars and squares Kurแ Hulanda will host a mixed group of people enjoying city life in a cultural ambiance. Arranged in four zones, the village
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locates a hotel, bars & restaurants, commercial (shops) and a residential area.
(Submitted on March 1, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.) 

3. Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Cura็ao - UNESCO.
The people of the Netherlands established a trading settlement at a fine natural harbour on the Caribbean island of Cura็ao in 1634. The town developed continuously over the following centuries. The modern town consists of several distinct historic districts whose architecture reflects not only European urban-planning concepts but also styles from the Netherlands and from the Spanish and Portuguese colonial towns with which Willemstad engaged in trade.
(Submitted on March 1, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.) 
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on March 1, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
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Jun. 4, 2026