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Oranjestad The Capital
Oranjestad The Capital
Oranjestad The Capital
I can actually say that Aruba is much more than a Caribbean paradise. Our world-class
beaches, always-perfect weather and warm and welcoming culture are only a part of what
makes Aruba unique. The feeling you get when you step on our sunny shores that stays
with you long after you depart is what truly sets us apart - we call it the Aruba Effect. And it
all starts here, on One happy island.
Aruba is a small Caribbean island (about 54 mill² or 193 km²) about the size of
Washington, DC, located 25 km north of the western coast of Falcon State in Venezuela
and 68 km northwest of Curacao, the largest island of the Netherlands Antilles. Aruba's
terrain is mostly flat with some hills. There is little vegetation and few water sources.
Aruba's best known geographical feature is its white sandy beaches, which are the basis
of its tourist attraction that is the mainstay of the island's economy. Aruba is located on the
Caribbean tectonic plate. The island is made up of limestone and covered hills, with cliffs
on the north and northeast coast and coral reefs on the south coast.
An immense green area rich in landscapes, natural beauty, caves, beaches and surprises.
Arikok National Park covers almost 20% of Aruba, and it preserves thousands of animal
and plant species: snakes and birds deserve a special mention. In the interior of the Park
you will find a great variety of landscapes, including charming bays, picturesque creations
made of lava and limestone, not to mention sites containing ancestral cultural heritage,
including original Indian engravings.
FORMACIONES ROCOSAS DE CASIBARI
The landscape of Aruba's interior is really varied, alternating hills and wilderness with large
jagged rocks. The Casibari rock formations are an example of the latter type. The huge
boulders occupy a residential area near the main road to Santa Cruz.
On the route you will also find caves with rock carvings dating back thousands of years.
The huge, round boulders of the Ayo rock formations make an impression and create a bit
of awe.
MUSEO HISTORICO DEL FUERTE ZOUTMAN
Once you enter Fort Zoutman, you will feel suspended in time and will want to read all the
historical documents and see the collections of finds. On the other hand, the
Archaeological Museum is the first place where you will have the opportunity to study the
history of Aruba. The fort is named after Admiral Johan Arnold Zoutman, who overcame
the British in the North Sea.
The fort was built by African slaves (brought from Curaçao), while Amerindian slaves
provided the building materials. After the enlargement and reconstruction of the buildings
(1826) and the addition of three subway prisons (1859), Fort Zoutman also functioned as a
prison for slaves. In 1868, the Willem III Tower (William III Tower) was added to the
complex and was the subject of a major restoration project in the 1980s.