Handelskade , Punda District - Willemstad, Curaçao
Posted by: 
denben
N 12° 06.373 W 068° 56.125
19P E 507027 N 1338299
World famous Handelskade with its colorful waterfront buildings in the Willemstad Punda district.
Waymark Code: WM18G3G
Location: Curaçao
Date Posted: 07/28/2023
Views: 6
This Fine Art America puzzle by Debra Martz measures 18 X 24 inches and includes 500 pieces. It is made from premium 0.2 inch thick paper and includes a semi-gloss coating on the top surface.
The historic city center of Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, was listed in 1997 as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The historic center of the city consists of four districts: Punda, Otrobanda, Scharloo and Pietermaai Smal.
The coordinates and the first photo were taken from the Queen Emma bridge (a pontoon bridge), the second photo from the Rif Fort and the last two photos from the Punda district. You will notice that the two brownish buildings in the middle of the default photo are now painted blue. Our photos were taken in 2018.
"Handelskade is the most breathtaking part of Punda. This historic waterfront strip is a vibrant reminder of Curaçao’s Dutch heritage, as well as a favorite photo-op for professional photographers and visitors alike. The collection of houses line the waters of St. Anna Bay and the 18t century buildings are reminiscent of the Amsterdam canals with one difference: they are brightly colored. Curacao’s rich history comes alive in the stunning architecture to been seen all across the island, but especially in its capital city; Willemstad.
One of the first Dutch governors decreed that all houses should be painted in colors other than white because the reflection of the sun supposedly caused headaches and could even lead to inflammation of the eyes ultimately blindness!
Grab a seat at one of Handelskade’s outdoor cafes and watch the Queen Emma Bridge, also called: “de Pontjesbrug”, swing open to let ships into the harbor or pop into one of the shops along the water.
At Handelskade’s northern point, you can find the Floating Market. Small fishing boats from Venezuela (which is only 40 miles away and a different climate from Curacao entirely) dock on the canal. The tables are laden with fruits and vegetables.
The famous colors of the Handelskade remain eye-candy, especially by night. The Handelskade provides the quintessential photo opportunity and is a must-see sight on Curacao!" (
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