FORT ZEELANDIA

This fort is over 350 years old! First built by French settlers in 1640, it was improved by English settlers in 1651 under the name Fort Willoughby, and then used by Dutch settlers. In 1667, it took on its present name: this date is forged on the pediment of the entrance gate. Unfortunately, this fortress did not prevent enemy attacks: the looting by French captain Jacques Cassard in 1712 is still remembered. The fort then became a barracks and later a prison. In 1967, it was restored and turned into a museum. The statue of Queen Wilhelmine of the Netherlands was moved from Independence Square to Fort Zeelandia in 1975. In 1982, it was requisitioned by the Surinamese army as a military base. Atrocious acts took place there, such as the massacres of December 1982. Having criticized the military dictatorship of the time, 15 opponents of the regime were tortured and murdered on December 8, 1982. Finally, in 1995, the army withdrew and the site was turned back into a museum.

A visit to this place steeped in history is a must: the high-quality exhibits retrace the history of Suriname and its peoples. Of particular interest is the pharmacy housed in the former powder magazine. On the first floor, don't hesitate to drop in on the small store, the former prison, where you'll find numerous books on Suriname, postcards and handicrafts. One of the walls features the famous Delft earthenware (or Delft blue), magnificent blue tiles imported from the Netherlands.