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Fort Zoutman, Willem III
Tower, and Museo Arubano
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| Address |
Zoutmanstraat z/n |
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| Admission |
$2 |
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| Hours |
Mon-Fri 9am-noon and 1-4pm |
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| Phone |
297/582-6099 |
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Aruba’s oldest example of Dutch architecture, Fort Zoutman,
Willem III Tower stands on what was once the shore (landfill construction
in 1930 altered the coastline). To defend Aruba from the pirates
menacing Oranjestad's harbor by raiding horses and anything else
of value, the Dutch constructed Fort Zoutman in 1796. Over the years,
the site has served as an aloe garden, jail, courthouse, junk room,
and tax office. Since 1992, the complex has housed the modest Museo
Arubano, which displays prehistoric Caiquetio artifacts and remnants
from the Dutch colonial period. On Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30pm,
the museum hosts the Bon Bini Festival, a fair with local arts and
crafts, food, music, and dance. Not one of the best tourist activities
that ever existed, but good enough to spend a low cost day and enjoy
a good cheap buy at the Bon Bini Festival.
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