Willemstad. Curaçao
Colonial era alleys (18th to 19th century) of the Rif neighbourhood in Otrobanda, one of Willemstad's main Unesco World Heritage districts with historical Dutch-Caribbean architecture.
The Rif (litterally: reef) neighbourhood of the Otrobanda district is perhaps the most charming of all the neighbourhoods of historic Willemstad.
It was formed in the 18th and 19th century and consists of many small alleys with densely built homes of that time. Although some are abandoned and slowly deteriorating under the elements of the tropical climate, many are in a good state and inhabited by a mixture of peoples: mostly locals, but also latinos and Dutch. Wandering through the streets is a sensation, since you feel the heat, the shade, the wind, you hear the tropical birds and Latin music and televisions from inside the homes, and you smell creole food being cooked. Some men like to put a chair outside their houses to watch the day pass by, and they are happy to greet passerbys.
This was since its onset a labourors neighbourhood, although some of these houses border an urban mansion with a typical local courtyard, where some of the elite lived.
This area also gave birth to Carlos Piar, a creole of African, Spanish and Dutch ancestry who fought in the Venezuelan war of Independence and stood up for the rights of people of colour. Others were famous musicians or politicians.
Today it remains a residential area where houses are in a mixed state of occupation and abandonment. It nonetheless represents the most authentic and charming neighbourhoods of Willemstad.
Willemstad. Curaçao
Colonial era alleys (18th to 19th century) of the Rif neighbourhood in Otrobanda, one of Willemstad's main Unesco World Heritage districts with historical Dutch-Caribbean architecture.
The Rif (litterally: reef) neighbourhood of the Otrobanda district is perhaps the most charming of all the neighbourhoods of historic Willemstad.
It was formed in the 18th and 19th century and consists of many small alleys with densely built homes of that time. Although some are abandoned and slowly deteriorating under the elements of the tropical climate, many are in a good state and inhabited by a mixture of peoples: mostly locals, but also latinos and Dutch. Wandering through the streets is a sensation, since you feel the heat, the shade, the wind, you hear the tropical birds and Latin music and televisions from inside the homes, and you smell creole food being cooked. Some men like to put a chair outside their houses to watch the day pass by, and they are happy to greet passerbys.
This was since its onset a labourors neighbourhood, although some of these houses border an urban mansion with a typical local courtyard, where some of the elite lived.
This area also gave birth to Carlos Piar, a creole of African, Spanish and Dutch ancestry who fought in the Venezuelan war of Independence and stood up for the rights of people of colour. Others were famous musicians or politicians.
Today it remains a residential area where houses are in a mixed state of occupation and abandonment. It nonetheless represents the most authentic and charming neighbourhoods of Willemstad.