Willemstad

{{short description|Capital and the largest city of Curaçao}} {{about|the capital of Curaçao}} {{Redirect|Punda|the 2010 Indian film|Punda (film)}} {{Infobox settlement   | name =  | official_name = Willemstad | other_name = | native_name =  | nickname = | settlement_type = Capital city | total_type =  | motto =  | image_skyline = {{multiple image | total_width = 280 | border = infobox | perrow = 1/2/2/2 | caption_align = center | image1 = Handelskade in Willemstad.jpg | caption1 = View of Central Willemstad | image2 = JSAP-StAnnaKircheOtrabandaWillemstad.jpg | caption2 = Basilica of St Anne | image3 = Stadhuis Willemstad.jpg | caption3 = Willemstad Town Hall | image4 = Palacio de Curacao.jpg | caption4 = Fort Amsterdam | image5 = Willemstad Queen Emma Bridge by night (36699820805).jpg | caption5 = Queen Emma Bridge | image6 = Temple Emanuel, Willemstad, Curaçao (4384321990).jpg | caption6 = Temple Emanu-El | image7 = PenhaBuildingWillemstad.jpg | caption7 = Penha Building}} | imagesize = | image_caption = | image_flag = | flag_size = | image_seal = | image_shield = | shield_size = | image_blank_emblem = | blank_emblem_type = | blank_emblem_size = | image_map = | mapsize = | map_caption = | image_map1 = | mapsize1 = | map_caption1 = | image_dot_map = | dot_mapsize = | dot_map_caption = | dot_x = | dot_y = | pushpin_map = Curaçao#North America | pushpin_label_position = | pushpin_map_caption = | pushpin_mapsize =  | pushpin_relief = yes | subdivision_type = State | subdivision_name = Kingdom of the Netherlands | subdivision_type1 = Country | subdivision_name1 = Curaçao | seat_type = | seat = | parts_type = Quarters | parts_style = para  | parts =  | p1 = Punda | p2 = Otrobanda | p3 = Scharloo | p4 = Pietermaai Smal | government_footnotes = | government_type = | leader_title = | leader_name = | leader_title1 =  | leader_name1 = | established_title = Established | established_date = 1634 | area_magnitude = | unit_pref =  | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 =  | area_land_km2 =  | area_water_km2 = | area_total_sq_mi = | area_land_sq_mi = | area_water_sq_mi = | area_water_percent =  | elevation_footnotes =  | elevation_m = | elevation_ft = | elevation_max_m = | elevation_max_ft = | elevation_min_m = | elevation_min_ft =  | population_as_of = 2011 | population_footnotes = <ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/curacao/cities/ |title=Curaçao|website=City Population|access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref> | population_note = | population_total = 136,660 | population_density_km2 =  | population_density_sq_mi =  | timezone = AST | utc_offset = -04:00 | timezone_DST = (Not Observed) | coor_type =  | coordinates = {{coord|12|7|N|68|56|W|region:CW|display=inline,title}} | postal_code_type =  | postal_code = | area_code = | website = | footnotes = {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site |child = yes |Official_name = Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao |ID = 819 |Year = 1997 |Criteria = Cultural: ii, iv, v |Area = 86 ha |Buffer_zone = 87 ha }} }}

'''Willemstad''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|w|ɪ|l|ə|m|s|t|ɑː|t|,_|ˈ|v|ɪ|l|-}} {{respell|WIL|əm|staht|,_|VIL|-}}; {{IPA|nl|ˈʋɪləmstɑt|lang}}; {{IPA|pap|wiləmˈstad|lang}}) is the capital and largest city of Curaçao, an island in the southern Caribbean Sea that is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It was the capital of the Netherlands Antilles prior to that entity's dissolution in 2010. The city counts to have around 90% of Curaçao's population, with 136,660 inhabitants as of 2011.<ref name="auto"/> The historic centre of the city consists of four quarters: the Punda and Otrobanda, which are separated by the Sint Anna Bay, an inlet that leads into the large natural harbour called the Schottegat, as well as the Scharloo and Pietermaai Smal quarters, which are across from each other on the smaller Waaigat harbour. Willemstad is home to the Curaçao synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in the Americas. The city centre, with its unique architecture and harbour entry, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

==History== Punda was established in 1634, when the Dutch West India Company captured the island from Spain. The original name of Punda was ''de punt'' ('the point') in Dutch. The city was constructed as a walled city.<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=https://www.curacaohistory.com/1861-pietermaai-suburb |title=Pietermaai Suburb|website=Curaçao History|access-date=18 April 2021}}</ref> It soon developed into one of the major centres of the Atlantic slave trade which triggered a rapid population growth.{{sfn|Benjamins|Snelleman|1917|p=747|loc={{sp}}}} In 1674, the Curaçao synagogue was built by Sephardic Portuguese Jews from Amsterdam and Recife, Brazil who had settled in the city as traders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Curacao.html|title=Curacao Virtual Jewish History Tour|website=Jewish Library|accessdate=22 April 2021}}</ref> In the late 17th century, there were over 200 houses within the city walls.<ref name="history"/>

In 1675, it was decided to construct the town of Pietermaai outside of the enclosed city. It was to be separated from the city by an area of about {{cvt|500|m|yd}} in which construction was not allowed so as not to obstruct the cannons in Fort Amsterdam.<ref name="gids">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/_gid001199001_01/_gid001199001_01_0106.php |title=Architectuur en monumentenzorg |author=Michael A. Newton |year=1990|magazine=De Gids|language=nl|page=658}}</ref>

The name "Willemstad," (William Town) in honour of William II, Prince of Orange (1626–1650) and/or William III, Prince of Orange (1650–1702),<ref>Wiarda, H. J. (2007:105). ''The Dutch Diaspora: The Netherlands and Its Settlements in Africa, Asia, and the Americas''. United States: Lexington Books.</ref> is first recorded in 1680.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.curacaohistory.com/1707-willemstad-the-city-has-emerged|title=1707 | Willemstad, The city has emerged - Curaçao History|website=www.curacaohistory.com}}</ref>

In 1707, the suburb of Otrobanda was founded. Otrobanda would become the cultural centre of Willemstad. Its name originated from the Papiamentu ''otro banda'', which means "the opposite side".{{sfn|Benjamins|Snelleman|1917|p=747|ps=: Dutch: Overzijde English: Opposite side}} The suburb of Scharloo followed, however Willemstad continued to experience growth.{{sfn|Benjamins|Snelleman|1917|p=747|loc={{sp}}}} By 1818, the population of Willemstad had grown to 9,536 people.{{sfn|Benjamins|Snelleman|1917|p=749}} On 13 May 1861, a decision was made to demolish the city walls, and build residential houses in the gap separating Willemstad from Pietermaai.{{sfn|Benjamins|Snelleman|1917|p=747|loc={{sp}}}}

Around 1925, the booming oil and phosphate industry further stimulated growth, and resulted in the creation of new neighbourhoods.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gobiernu.cw/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Buurtprofiel_Steenrijk_.pdf |title=Buurtprofiel Steenrijk|last1=Buurtprofiel Steenrijk|year=2011|website=Government of Curaçao|language=nl|page=9|access-date=22 April 2021}}</ref> Between 1945 and 1955, Julianadorp and Emmastad were created by Royal Dutch Shell to house the new workers.<ref name="archief">{{cite web|url=https://www.nationaalarchief.cw/collectie/exposities/oliedorpen |title=Ontwikkeling huisvesting op Curaçao door Shell|website=National Archive of Curaçao|access-date=20 April 2021|language=nl}}</ref> In 1985, the oil refinery which employed 12,000 people was closed down by Shell. The Government of Curaçao decided to buy the refinery for ƒ 1.00 and take responsibility for all future pollution claims. In 1986, it was leased to the Venezuelan PDVSA, and reopened on a limited scale.<ref name="volkskrant">{{cite news|url=https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/het-rottend-hart-dat-curacao-splijt-wat-moet-het-eiland-met-zijn-vuile-raffinaderij~bc9db78a/ |title=Het rottend hart dat Curaçao splijt: wat moet het eiland met zijn vuile raffinaderij? |website=de Volkskrant|access-date=22 April 2021|language=nl|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In 2017, the PDVSA was hit by punitive sanctions of the United States Government,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2019/12/27/curacao-oil-refinery-takeover-good-for-jobs-bad-for-climate/ |title=Curacao oil refinery takeover: Good for jobs, bad for climate?|website=Al Jazeera|access-date=22 April 2021}}</ref> and attempts have been made to seize the refinery.<ref name="volkskrant"/>

On 30 May 1969, the Curaçao uprising, a strike at a subcontractor of the oil refinery, turned into a riot. The riot resulted in two deaths, 300 arrests and a part of the historic centre being burnt down. The Netherlands Marine Corps was sent to Willemstad and the entire city centre was closed down.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationaalarchief.nl/beleven/nieuws/curacao-trinta-di-mei |title=Curaçao Trinta di Mèi|website=Dutch National Archive|access-date=22 April 2021|language=nl}}</ref> In 1997, the centre of Willemstad and its former suburbs were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<ref name="heritage">{{cite web|url=https://news.curacao.com/historische-wijken/ |title=Historische Wijken|website=Curacao.com|access-date=22 April 2021}}</ref> In the 21st century, a largescale program of renovation started.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gobiernu.cw/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Buurtprofiel_Scharloo_drukker.pdf |title=Buurtprofiel Scharloo|last1=Buurtprofiel Scharloo|year=2011|website=Government of Curaçao|language=nl|page=10|access-date=22 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dolfijngo.com/en/travel/must-see/pietermaai-district-curacao/|title=The local SOHO on Curaçao:The Pietermaai District|website=Dolfijn Go|access-date=22 April 2021|archive-date=19 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519095116/https://www.dolfijngo.com/en/travel/must-see/pietermaai-district-curacao/|url-status=dead}}</ref> thumb|center|700px|Willemstad in the late afternoon

==Economy== ===Aviation=== Jetair Caribbean, the national airline of Curaçao, has its corporate head office in Maduro Plaza.<ref>"[https://www.fly-inselair.com/en/general-conditions General conditions]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20140321093952/https://www.fly-inselair.com/en/general-conditions Archive]) Insel Air. Retrieved on 21 March 2014. "Our Registered Address is Dokweg 19, Maduro Plaza, Willemstad, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles."</ref>

===Tourism=== [[File:Fort Amsterdam.jpg|thumb|Fort Amsterdam as seen from sea]] Tourism is a major industry and the city has several casinos. The city centre of Willemstad has an array of colonial architecture that is influenced by Dutch styles. Archaeological research has also been developed there.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manioc.org/fichiers/V12050 |title=Willemstad : a road to a methodical way of conducting archaeological research for Curaçao by Amy Victorina |publisher=Manioc.org |date=2011-07-25 |access-date=2012-06-16}}</ref> The city is also home to several beaches like Baya Beach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cruisebe.com/baya-beach-willemstad-curacao |title=Baya Beach|website=Cruisebe|access-date=17 April 2021}}</ref>

===Industry=== Owing to its location near the Venezuelan oilfields, its political stability and its natural deep water harbour, Willemstad became the site of an important seaport and refinery. Willemstad's harbour is one of the largest oil handling ports in the Caribbean. The refinery, at one point the largest in the world, was originally built and owned by Royal Dutch Shell in 1915.<ref>{{cite web |title=Curaçao Investment Corp page describing the refinery |access-date=1 April 2008 |url=http://www.investcuracao.com/01c08.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081641/http://www.investcuracao.com/01c08.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The four companies comprising the Royal Dutch Shell<ref>[http://www.shell.nl/sustainability/het-milieu.html Shell], Willemstad page.</ref> refining operation; the actual refinery, oil bunkering, the tugboat company (KTK) and the local distribution of refined products (CurOli/Gas) were each sold to the government of Curaçao in 1985<ref>{{cite web |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C07E4DC1539F935A1575AC0A963948260 |title=Refinery deal in Curaçao |work=New York Times |date=1985-09-26}}</ref> for the symbolic sum of one guilder per company, or a total of 4 guilders<ref>Op 23 september van dat jaar deed Shell, na maandenlange onderhandelingen met de Antilliaanse en Nederlandse regeringen, de raffinaderij aan de Buscabaai alsmede de tankopslag, het sleepbootbedrijf en de lokale verkoopmaatschappij voor een gulden per bedrijf, dus in totaal vier gulden, 'met alle lusten en lasten' over aan de Nederlandse Antillen en Curaçao. [https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/1996/03/19/asfaltmeer-treurig-overblijfsel-op-curacao-7303325-a82098 nrc.ln/nieuws]</ref> and is now leased to PDVSA, the state owned Venezuelan oil company. Schlumberger, the world's largest oil field services company is incorporated in Willemstad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.Schlumberger_NV.5f3499e2666948c7.html|title=Schlumberger N.V. - Company Information}}</ref> [[File:Isla Oil Refinery in Willemstad Curacao.jpg|thumb|center|700px|Isla Oil Refinery in Port of Willemstad photographed from Fort Nassau]]

===Financial services=== Numerous financial institutions are incorporated in Willemstad due to Curaçao's favourable tax policies.

==Education== The University of Curaçao is the national university of Curaçao and located in Willemstad.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchculture.nl/nl/location/university-cura%C3%A7ao |title=University of Curaçao|website=Dutch Culture|access-date=20 April 2021}}</ref> The Avalon University School of Medicine is located in Willemstad. The Caribbean Medical University<ref>[http://www.cmumed.org Caribbean Medical University], official website.</ref> is also located in Willemstad, close to the city centre.

==Sports== [[File:Stadion Ergilio Hato.jpg|thumb|Ergilio Hato Stadium]] Major League Baseball players Jair Jurrjens, Wladimir Balentien, Jurickson Profar, Andruw Jones, Ozzie Albies, Kenley Jansen, Jonathan Schoop, Ceddanne Rafaela and Andrelton Simmons are from Willemstad.

Noted tennis doubles player Jean-Julien Rojer was born in Willemstad.

Enith Brigitha, a bronze medalist swimmer who represented the Netherlands in the Summer Olympics was born in Willemsted. She was also the first black athlete to win a swimming medal at the Olympics.

In 1985, Willemstad hosted the Curaçao Grand Prix for Formula 3000. The race was won by Danish racing driver John Nielsen. Pabao Little League has appeared in nine Little League World Series, winning in 2004. They were crowned the International Champions in 2005, 2019, 2022, and 2023. In 2008, another Pabao Little League team won the Junior League World Series, after winning the Latin America Region, then defeating the Asia-Pacific Region and Mexico Region champions to become the International champion, and finally defeating the U.S. champion (West Region), Hilo American/National LL (Hilo, Hawaii), 5–2.

==Infrastructure== thumb|upright=1.2|Queen Emma bridge

===Airport=== Willemstad is served by Curaçao International Airport, located {{convert|12|km|mi}} north of the city, which is annually used by about two million passengers.

===Bridges=== Punda and Otrobanda are connected by Queen Emma Bridge, a long pontoon bridge. Although it is still in use, these days most road traffic now uses the Queen Juliana Bridge built in 1967 (rebuilt 1974) which arches high over the bay further inland. Nearby is also the now non-functioning Queen Wilhelmina drawbridge.

==Geography==

===Climate=== Willemstad has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen: ''BSh''), experiencing hot summers and winters.

{{Weather box | width = auto | location = Willemstad

| metric first = yes | single line = yes | Jan mean C = 25.9 | Feb mean C = 25.8 | Mar mean C = 25.9 | Apr mean C = 26.4 | May mean C = 27.0 | Jun mean C = 27.1 | Jul mean C = 27.1 | Aug mean C = 27.7 | Sep mean C = 28.1 | Oct mean C = 27.8 | Nov mean C = 27.2 | Dec mean C = 26.6 | year mean C = | Jan high C = 26.4 | Feb high C = 26.2 | Mar high C = 26.3 | Apr high C = 26.7 | May high C = 27.3 | Jun high C = 27.5 | Jul high C = 27.5 | Aug high C = 28.1 | Sep high C = 28.6 | Oct high C = 28.4 | Nov high C = 27.9 | Dec high C = 27.2 | year high C = | Jan low C = 25.4 | Feb low C = 25.3 | Mar low C = 25.5 | Apr low C = 26.0 | May low C = 26.5 | Jun low C = 26.6 | Jul low C = 26.5 | Aug low C = 27.1 | Sep low C = 27.4 | Oct low C = 26.9 | Nov low C = 26.3 | Dec low C = 25.9 | year low C = | Jan precipitation mm = 63.3 | Feb precipitation mm = 36.0 | Mar precipitation mm = 32.4 | Apr precipitation mm = 39.7 | May precipitation mm = 45.4 | Jun precipitation mm = 52.5 | Jul precipitation mm = 50.2 | Aug precipitation mm = 52.2 | Sep precipitation mm = 66.2 | Oct precipitation mm = 127.4 | Nov precipitation mm = 170.6 | Dec precipitation mm = 91.5 | year precipitation mm = | Jan humidity = 81.6 | Feb humidity = 81.0 | Mar humidity = 81.5 | Apr humidity = 83.8 | May humidity = 84.8 | Jun humidity = 84.9 | Jul humidity = 84.8 | Aug humidity = 83.8 | Sep humidity = 83.2 | Oct humidity = 83.2 | Nov humidity = 83.1 | Dec humidity = 82.1 | year humidity = | Jan sun = 277.3 | Feb sun = 272.2 | Mar sun = 299.1 | Apr sun = 280.4 | May sun = 293.7 | Jun sun = 294.5 | Jul sun = 304.4 | Aug sun = 299.7 | Sep sun = 279.4 | Oct sun = 261.6 | Nov sun = 247.6 | Dec sun = 269.7 | year sun = | source 1 = Weather.Directory<ref name="Weather.Directory"> {{cite web|url=https://weather.directory/cw/willemstad |title= Willemstad Weather & Climate Guide |access-date= 9 Sep 2025 |website= Weather.Directory}}</ref> }}

==Notable people==

* Kemy Agustien, footballer<ref>{{cite web |title=K. Agustien |url=https://us.soccerway.com/players/kemy-agustien/2440/ |work=Soccerway |access-date=21 March 2019 |archive-date=26 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326134016/https://us.soccerway.com/players/kemy-agustien/2440/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> * Ozzie Albies, Major League Baseball player * Tahith Chong, footballer * Rebecca Cohen Henriquez, activist<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goldish|first1=Josette Capriles|title=The Girls They Left Behind Curaçao's Jewish Women in the Nineteenth Century|url=http://www.brandeis.edu/hbi/publications/workingpapers/docs/goldish.pdf|website=Brandeis University|access-date=12 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220051001/http://www.brandeis.edu/hbi/publications/workingpapers/docs/goldish.pdf|archive-date=20 December 2016|location=Waltham, Massachusetts|date=17 October 2002 |page=15}}</ref> * Guliano Diaz, former professional footballer * Luigison V. Doran, footballer * Jan Helenus Ferguson, Colonial governor of the Dutch Gold Coast<ref>{{cite web|last=Bruns|first=Peter|title=Een Antilliaans jurist van de wereld|url=http://peterbruns.unblog.fr/2012/03/04/een-antilliaans-jurist-van-de-wereld/|access-date=28 May 2020}}</ref> * Elson Hooi, footballer<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/59414/Elson_Hooi.html |title=Hooi, Elson |publisher=National Football Teams| access-date=28 May 2020}}</ref> * Jacky Jakoba, baseball player<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rtvutrecht.nl/sport/3515821/voormalig-quick-honkballer-jacoba-overleden |title=Voormalig Quick-honkballer Jacoba overleden|work=RTV Utrecht|date=19 December 2022|access-date=29 August 2024|language=nl}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://resolver.kb.nl/resolve?urn=ABCDDD:010856401:mpeg21:a0262 |title=Jakoba verstrikt in reglementen|work=De Volkskrant|via=Delpher|date=27 February 1989|access-date=29 August 2024|language=nl}}</ref> * Andruw Jones, Hall of Fame baseball player<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/andruw-jones-116662|title=Andruw Jones Stats, Fantasy & News MLB.com|website=MLB.com }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/andruw-jones-elected-to-hall-of-fame|title=At long last, Jones will be enshrined in Cooperstown|website=MLB.com }}</ref> * George Maduro, World War II resistance member and recipient of the Military Order of William * Manuel Piar, general-in-chief of the army during the Venezuelan War of Independence * Jean-Julien Rojer, tennis player * Gerrit Schotte, 1st Prime Minister of Curaçao * Jonathan Schoop, baseball player<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/jonathan-schoop-570731|title=Jonathan Schoop #7 |website=MLB.com|access-date=22 April 2021}}</ref> * Kenley Jansen, Major League Baseball pitcher * Luis Brión, admiral during the Venezuelan war of independence * Jurickson Profar, Major League Baseball player

==Gallery== <gallery mode="packed"> File:Queen Emma Bridge in Curaçao.jpg|Colorful historic part of Willemstad File:Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao-139159.jpg|Buildings in historic area of Willemstad File:Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao-139160.jpg|Banco di Caribe File:Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour, Curaçao-139163.jpg|Historic Area of Willemstad, Inner City and Harbour was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 File:Willemstad Curacao Queen Emma Brücke (36653920046).jpg|Queen Emma floating bridge in Willemstad File:Willemstad Curacao Queen Emma Bridge by night (36304702930).jpg|Queen Emma Bridge by night File:Penha Building, Willemstad, Curaçao - February 2020.jpg|Penha Building, built in 1708 File:The Queen Juliana Bridge over St. Anna Bay in Willemstad, Curaçao.jpg|The Queen Juliana Bridge over St. Anna Bay in Willemstad, Curaçao File:Cathedral in Willemstad, Curaçao.jpg|Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral </gallery>

==References== {{reflist}}

==Bibliography== * {{cite book|url=https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/benj004ency01_01/ |last1=Benjamins |first1=Herman Daniël|last2=Snelleman |first2=Johannes |title=Encyclopaedie van Nederlandsch West-Indië|year=1917|language=nl|publisher=Martinus Nijhoff Publishers|location=Leiden}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Willemstad, Curaçao|Willemstad}} {{Wikivoyage}}

{{Curaçao topics}} {{World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands}} {{Dutch capital cities}} {{List of North American capitals}} {{Authority control}}

Category:Willemstad Category:1634 establishments in the Dutch Republic Category:Capital cities in the Caribbean Category:Populated places established in 1634 Category:Populated places in Curaçao