Fort Oranje

We spent one morning see some local history attractions.

Oranjestad (Dutch: Orange town) is a small town of nearly 1,000 inhabitants, and is the capital of Sint Eustatuis island in the Caribbean Netherlands.

Oranjestad is a historic harbour town. It can be divided into two main sections, the Lower Town along the waterfront with colonial-era ruins, the island's best beach ( where we go to swim) and the still-functioning harbour, and the Upper Town with a restored historic core plus the island's main commercial and residential centre.

 The main historical site in Oranjestad is Fort Oranje, a well-maintained, 17th-century fort in the direct centre of the town, overlooking the waterfront. This cliffside fort has cannons, intact fortifications and a courtyard. 

The town's historical features also include a Dutch reformed church built in 1755, which is partly in ruins but still accessible.