Cultural sightseeing in Netherlands Antilles

The Netherlands Antilles located in the Caribbean, are becoming more popular each year. This place has a lot of advantages, from natural beauty to low prices. However, it is a mistake to assume that azure water and snow-white beaches are the only things that deserve an attention here. It is an island with a rich history and equally rich culture. There is always something to see if you want to travel and get new impressions.

Even in the tenth century BC, the Antilles were already inhabited. Islands belonged to the Kaketios, who were members of the Arawaks group. These people lived here for 1500 years, until one of the islands, namely St. Maarten, was discovered by Christopher Columbus in the end of the 15th century. Since then, the islands have been actively colonized by the Europeans, even though no deposits of precious materials were found here. Soon, mainly Spanish and Dutch settled there. The Indians were killed by famine or were transported to Haiti. In 1816, all the islands became officially the territory of the Netherlands, which is still reflected in the official name of the state. Before 1863, when slavery was officially abolished, Antilles have been the center of the slave trade throughout the Caribbean.

All these historical moments and changes in the nationalities of local inhabitants could not but affect the islands. There is practically nothing left of the indigenous Indians, but the European culture can be traced very clearly. Moreover, the European architecture occupies a large area of ​​all the islands, as locals liked it. Visiting the Antilles, you can enjoy the natural beauty and manmade attractions. You can find something unique on any island. There will be items that can not be seen elsewhere. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The capital of the state, Willemstad, is located on the island of Curaçao. It is the largest and most attractive city of the Antilles. Here, you can always have a good time and explore the local attractions. This city literally reflects the diversity of nationalities that lived here before. The Netherlands had the main influence on the architecture. However, there are other architectural monuments. For example, the old Jewish district of Charlo, which houses one of the oldest synagogues in the entire western hemisphere. It is more than three hundred years old and still functions. Besides an amazing capital, there are many other places on Curacao. A spacious garden with a huge number of butterflies, a large ostrich farm, a factory that makes one of the most delicious liqueurs of the entire Caribbean Sea, a marine aquarium and many other places will allow you to get a lot of emotions.

It is a mistake to believe that only Curacao can boast with sights. The island of St. Maarten has an extinct volcano. There are beautiful reefs around Sint-Eustatius island. If you dive, you can inspect the sunken ships. National parks and reserves, which are full of rare species of animals and plants, deserve a special attention. For example, the divi-divi tree grows in the Shete-Boka National park. This tree is the symbol of the whole state. Travelers can watch pink flamingos, white-tailed deer, and exotic birds at any time.

In general, it can be noted that the Antilles are able to hit every tourist with their versatility. Natural beauty, amazing architecture, protected places and, of course, white sand beaches wait there. Surprisingly enough, it is possible to visit all these places without spending much. That’s because locals don’t cash in on tourists. However, no one can be sure that this will continue for a long time.