Fort Zeelandia Suriname: An Introduction to its Rich History and Things to Do
Fort Zeelandia, located in the South American country of Suriname, is an iconic landmark and a testament to the country’s rich history. Built in the 17th century, the fort was once a stronghold of the Dutch West India Company and played an integral role in the colonization of Suriname. Today, the fort is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s past. Here is an introduction to the fort’s history and some of the things to do when visiting.
History of Fort Zeelandia
Fort Zeelandia was built in 1667 by the Dutch West India Company as a stronghold for the colonization of Suriname. The fort was named after the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands, which was where the company originated. It was the first permanent Dutch settlement in the country and served as the center of the Dutch colonial government in Suriname.
The fort was a major trading post and saw many battles between the Dutch and the native Surinamese people. In 1682, the fort was the site of a major battle between the Dutch and the English, which resulted in the Dutch victory and the surrender of the English forces.
In the 18th century, the fort became a major center of the slave trade, with thousands of African slaves being brought to the fort to be sold. After the abolition of slavery in 1863, the fort was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the 1970s, the fort was restored and opened to the public as a tourist attraction.
Amazing Facts about Fort Zeelandia
Fort Zeelandia is a unique landmark in Suriname and has a rich and fascinating history. Here are some amazing facts about the fort:
• The fort has a unique star-shaped design, which was common for Dutch forts of the time.
• The fort was built on an artificial island in the Suriname River, which was created by the Dutch engineers.
• The fort is the only remaining Dutch fort in Suriname and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The fort was the site of a major battle between the Dutch and the English in 1682, which resulted in the Dutch victory.
• The fort was a major center of the slave trade in the 18th century, with thousands of African slaves being brought to the fort to be sold.
• The fort was abandoned in the 19th century and fell into disrepair until it was restored in the 1970s.
Things to Do at Fort Zeelandia
Fort Zeelandia is a popular tourist destination in Suriname and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s past. Here are some of the things to do when visiting the fort:
• Explore the fort’s star-shaped design and learn about its history.
• Visit the fort’s museum, which houses artifacts from the fort’s past.
• Take a guided tour of the fort and learn more about its role in the colonization of Suriname.
• Visit the fort’s gardens, which are home to many native plants and animals.
• Enjoy a picnic in the fort’s courtyard and take in the views of the Suriname River.
• Take a boat tour of the fort and get a unique perspective of the fort from the river.
• Visit the nearby Paramaribo Zoo and see some of the native animals of Suriname.
• Enjoy a meal at one of the nearby restaurants and sample some of the local cuisine.
Conclusion
Fort Zeelandia is an iconic landmark in Suriname and a testament to the country’s rich history. With its unique star-shaped design and fascinating history, the fort is a popular tourist destination and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s past. Whether you’re exploring the fort’s museum, taking a boat tour of the fort, or enjoying a meal at one of the nearby restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Fort Zeelandia.