Ancient structures in Curacao

The island of Curacao boasts the amazing architecture and the oldest synagogue in the New World. In the historic center of Willemstad -- called Punda, which means "the point" -- the architecture is classic Dutch colonial from the 1600s and 1700s.

The initial approach to the buildings in Willemstad was the same as those used in Holland during the same period, but eventually, island builders altered the designs to meet the demands of the tropical climate -- incorporating open porches, fretwork and shutters. Houses were positioned to take advantage of the cooling trade winds that would blow through the hallways, acting as a natural air conditioner. Successful Dutch merchants built structures that combined offices, warehouses, storefronts and living areas. Here is a list of some of the most amazing ancient structures in Curacao;

1: The KNSM Building - "De kroonvaarders"

Located in Breedestraat in the Punda area of the capital, this structure dates back to 1939-1941. The former building of the Royal Dutch Steamboat Company was built in the period 1939-1941 and put to use in early 1942. This tower also served as the defense watchtower during the war. The ground-floor has three shop outlets with a well-known jeweler’s shop since the last 40 years. At present Korpodeko (Korporashon pa Desaroyo di Korsou, i.e. Corporation for the Development of Curaçao) has its office on the first floor.

The former building, reflecting a Dutch architectural influence, consists of a big block shaped building mass with unplastered brick façades and a tower in the north-western corner. The three storeys of the building are covered by a steep, beveled roof. The series of exclusive and expensive bronze windows and outer doors are also notable features.

2: Kuiperstraat Located in Willemstad, the Kuiperstraat probably originated in the last quarter of the 17th century on the site of a small inland harbour filled up in the town expansion plans. One of the first buildings in Kuiperstraat was probably the 1674 synagogue, which is assumed to have been located at the same place where the later places of worship of 1690 and 1703 stood and the present 1730 synagogue is located.

At the beginning of the 18th century Kuiperstraat was developed and was once a prominent area of the town. Although not much is left of the original houses of Kuiperstraat, but certain well kept, early buildings provide an insight into the once prosperous streets. Adjacent to the synagogue, are Kuiperstraat 26 and 28 that reflect the late 17th and early 18th Century architectural styles. The top of the façade of Kuiperstraat 24 is also authentic and similar to that of Kuiperstraat 26. The oldest house on this street dates back to 1693 is now popular as the Postal Museum.

3: Synagogue Mikvé Israel

Located in Kerkstraat (Hanchi Snoa), this synagogue dates back to 1730. The interior space of the synagogue bears a striking resemblance to the Amsterdam Portuguese-Israeli synagogue of 1675, the "Esnoga", which served as a model for building this structure in Curacao.

The exterior reflects a typical native architectural 18th century style. The synagogue has been in continuous use since its completion in 1732 and that makes the Snoa the oldest synagogue in use in the western hemisphere. The synagogue consists of a block shaped building mass that is covered by three saddle roofs. The façades consist of three semi circular gables and against both east and west façades the drain-pipes of the roof-gutters are concealed in four hollow pilasters against the wall or pseudo-buttresses. The columns bear the names of four Jewish matriarchs who laid the foundation of the structure. On the floor there is a thick layer of sand that has a symbolical and practical reference. It is held that it signifies the forty years' journey in the desert and it could also refer to the biblical text in which Abraham is told that his descendants will be as numerous as "the grains of sand on the beach of the sea". A practical application of the sand is muffling the footsteps on the former wooden floor.

The most important pieces of furniture found here are the Heychal (the Holy Ark) and the Tebah (a platform with a lectern). The Heychal stands against the east wall opposite the entrance where the Torah scrolls (law scrolls) is kept. The Tebah is located close to the entrance of the synagogue, opposite the Holy Ark. The Tebah and Tora scrolls are opened on the lectern and read aloud. The protruding pulpit in the front dates back to 1858 and the "Banca” is found against the north wall of the synagogue where the members of the Parnassim (the council) sit.

4: The Temple Emanu-Él

Built during mid 19th Century, this temple is located in the capital town of Willemstad. The restored structure retains most of its originality and consists of a rectangular block shaped building mass with one main floor on a basement and a large saddle roof. Against the front, there is a tower divided into three parts by horizontal ledges. The structure has a neoclassical style in its heavy, profiled cornices along the long sides, the corner pilasters and the tympans above the doors. The semicircular fanlights with the arched drips or the brows on the consoles reflect a 19th century Dutch architecture influence. The rosettes are located above the windows.

The interior of the Temple was adapted to function as a new office during renovation. A freestanding steel construction with an intermediate floor has been placed in the building and the old walls have remained intact due to this. To provide the floor with outside light round window openings were made behind the rosettes. In the short side wall on the south a glass extension has been built. All these later additions bear a modernity that is in apparent contrast to the original structure.