Otrobanda

History

Otrobanda was founded in 1707 as a suburb of Willemstad on the other side of the Sint Anna Bay. Otrobanda was often referred to as the Spanish side, and Punda and Pietermaai were called the Holland side. In 1752, In 1816, the population of Otrobanda was 2,527 people. In 1856, the Sint-Elisabeth Hospital, the first hospital of the country, was opened in Otrobanda. In 2019, it was replaced by Curaçao Medical Center which was built next to the old hospital. The Basilica of St. Anne was built as the first Roman Catholic church on the island.

The district saw a rapid population increase up in the early 19th century when the once walled city of Willemstad became overpopulated. Otrobanda was connected to Punda in 1888 via the Queen Emma Bridge (affectionately known as "The Swinging Old Lady") and in 1974 by the Queen Juliana Bridge. The main center of Willemstad is separated in two quarters: Punda and Otrobanda, which stands for 'city' and 'the other side'.

Otrobanda is home to Kurá Hulanda Museum, an anthropological museum specialising in the Atlantic slave trade. The museum is considered one of the best historical restorations in Otrobanda. The Curaçao Museum is located in the former military hospital of Otrobanda. It opened its doors in 7 March 1948, and contains a large collection of paintings, furniture, glass, and textile. It regularly organises exhibitions of local and national artists.

Many of the over 700 UNESCO listed buildings in Willemstad have been restored and/or renovated (on the inside) to serve as homes, shops, offices and accommodations like Poppy Hostel Curacao.

The restored area now shelters Rif Fort Village, a shopping and entertainment center that offers panoramic views of Punda and the sea. The Brionplein (Brion Plaza) is the centerpiece of Otrobanda’s waterfront.