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Monument · Paramaribo, Paramaribo
Plantage Mariënburg
Former plantation and sugar mill in Commewijne, with the chimney, iron sheds and stationary locomotives. It was there that, in 1890, the first contracted Javanese workers arrived.
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 Plantage Mariënburg
Mariënburg is a former sugar cane plantation in Commewijne, on the east bank of the Suriname River, east of Nieuw Amsterdam. It was an important sugar mill in Suriname and operated until the 1980s. A village grew around the mill, which today has about 4,400 inhabitants.
The plantation has a place in the country's history: in 1890 the first contracted workers from Java, then a Dutch colony, arrived in Mariënburg. They came to replace labour on the plantations, and the descendants of those families today make up a large part of Suriname's population, with their own language, cuisine and religion.
What remains of the mill are the brick chimney, iron sheds with old machinery, rails and small locomotives that pulled the cane wagons. The administrative buildings and the workers' houses spread around, creating a setting of industrial ruins amidst vegetation.
Mariënburg is usually included on car or bicycle tours of Commewijne, together with Fort Nieuw Amsterdam and other plantations. The mill's buildings are seen from the outside, with explanations from the guide.
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
From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, with low light on the chimney and the sheds. In the rainy season the dirt roads become muddy. Check visiting conditions before you go.
How to get there
It is in Commewijne, about 13 km as the crow flies from central Paramaribo and a few kilometres from Fort Nieuw Amsterdam. You get there by car, taxi or bicycle via the Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge, or on an organized Commewijne tour.
Tip
Do the Commewijne itinerary by bicycle, which is often rented in Meerzorg or at guesthouses, combining Mariënburg, the fort and the plantations.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plantage Mariënburg
What can you see in Mariënburg?
The chimney of the old sugar mill, iron sheds, machinery, tracks and small locomotives, as well as the houses of former workers.
Why is Mariënburg important to Suriname?
It was to there that, in 1890, the first indentured workers from Java arrived; their descendants today make up a large part of the country's population.
How to get to Mariënburg?
By car, taxi, or bicycle via the Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge, or on an organized tour of Commewijne together with Fort Nieuw Amsterdam.