Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius

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Oranjestad (Dutch meaning "orange town") 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, showing the Quill volcano, the 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

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