Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius

See also: Oranjestad, Aruba

Oranjestad is a small town of nearly 1,000 inhabitants, and is the capital of Sint Eustatius 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 and the still-functioning harbour, and the Upper Town with a restored historic core plus the island's main commercial and residential centre.

Coat-of-arms of Sint Eustatius, with the Quill volcano, entrance to Fort Oranje and an angel fish

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. Nearby is a museum, the ruins of one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere, and a Jewish cemetery.

The town's historical features also include a Dutch reformed church built in 1755, which is partly in ruins but still accessible (its tower can be climbed for long-distance views), various restored 18th century merchants' residences - including the oldest one, the Gezaghebber House (former Lieutenant Governor's residence) on Kerkstraat - and restored wooden Caribbean style houses. The ruined buildings now submerged at the seafront can be explored by snorkelling.

Oranjestad itself contains grocery stores, a school, a clinic and administrative offices of the government. Oranjestad is a major shopping destination for people from neighbouring Saint Kitts, as many goods, especially imported foodstuffs are cheaper.

Sint Eustatius has a medical university with more than 100 students.

The restored 'Gezaghebber House' on Kerkstraat

Coordinates: 17°29′N 62°59′W / 17.483°N 62.983°W / 17.483; -62.983

References