PUNDA, WILLEMSTAD, CURACO

The oldest part of Willemstad is Punda, situated in the east of the St. Anna Bay. Punda a derivation of the Ducth word "punt" that means "point" was establish in 1934 when the founding merchants built offices, warehouses, stores and living quarters on the eastern side of the bay. Punda is the historical part of Willemstad and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Back to the 17th century, Punda is a tightly packed but colourful district on St. Anna Bay. The buildings are all painted in quaint pastel shades, and the narrow streets bustle with shoppers, while boats from nearby Venezuela come to Willemstad's harbour and then became the site of an important seaport and refinery.

Today Punda is the archetectual beauties are occupied by stores, restaurants and other establishments Handelskade is the most breathtaking part of Punda. It is a collection of houses that is build alongside the harbour.

While visiting Punda, you must take a walk over the Queen Emma Bridge, also called the "Swinging Old Lady" by the inhavitans. It is a 168 meter floating ponton bridge made of wood. It is the only one in the world of its kind.