Fort Zeelandia, Dutch colonial fort in Paramaribo, Suriname
Fort Zeelandia is a stone fortress with three bastions facing the Suriname River, containing multiple buildings connected by walkways within thick defensive walls. The entire structure occupies a defined area overlooking the waterfront.
The fort began as a wooden structure built by French colonists in 1640 and was later transformed into a stone fortress during British rule. Dutch forces captured it in 1667, marking a shift in the region's control.
The museum inside holds historical photographs, colonial furniture, and traditional textiles that tell the story of different communities who lived and worked in this region. These objects show how people from various backgrounds shaped the area's past.
The fort is open daily except Mondays and offers guided tours in multiple languages covering exhibits, former prison cells, and colonial-era rooms. Wear comfortable shoes since exploring the grounds involves walking through the entire complex.
The former commander's residence now houses the Nola Hatterman Art Academy, an institution that trains local artists and maintains exhibition spaces within the fort walls. This transformation merges the site's military past with contemporary creative practice.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
