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Fortress · Paramaribo, Paramaribo
Fort Zeelandia
A star-shaped fort on the banks of the Suriname River, built of wood by the French, rebuilt by the English and taken by the Dutch in 1667. It houses the Museu do Suriname.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Fort Zeelandia
Fort Zeelandia sits on the bank of the Suriname River, at the spot where the city began. The French built a wooden fort there around 1640. In 1651 the English reinforced it as Fort Willoughby, and in 1667 the Dutch admiral Abraham Crijnssen captured the colony and renamed the fort Zeelandia, in honor of the Dutch province that financed the fleet.
The fort is shaped like a five-pointed star, with brick walls, a moat and bastions facing the river. Inside, the old officers' houses and storehouses hold the rooms of the Museu do Suriname, with archaeological finds, colonial-era furniture, textiles, visual arts and old photographs of the city and the country.
From the ramparts you can see the river, wide and brown, with the boats that cross to Commewijne and, in the distance, the Jules Wijdenbosch bridge. Around the fort are lawns and trees, and the Waterkant begins a few steps away, with the wooden riverside houses.
The fort is part of the historic center listed by UNESCO. The visit pairs well with Palmentuin and the praça da Independência, a five-minute walk away, and with the walk along the Waterkant to the Mercado Central. The museum's opening hours change; check before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours including the museum.
Best time
In the morning, when the heat on the ramparts is lower. The museum is closed some days of the week; check opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It is located on the riverfront at the eastern edge of the historic center, on Abraham Crijnssenweg. From Palmentuin and the praça da Independência it's a five-minute walk; from the Waterkant, ten.
Tip
Climb the ramparts on the river side to see the boats and the opposite bank. Then walk along the Waterkant to the Mercado Central.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fort Zeelandia
What's inside Forte Zeelandia?
The Museu do Suriname, with archaeology, colonial furniture, textiles, visual arts and old photographs.
When does Forte Zeelandia date from?
The first fort, made of wood, was built by the French around 1640. It received its current name in 1667, when the Dutch took the colony.
How long does the visit take?
Between 1 hour and 1.5 hours, including the museum and a walk along the ramparts.
Is the fort near other downtown points?
Yes. Palmentuin, Independence Square and the Waterkant are a few minutes' walk away.