Oranjestad
Oranjestad, seaport and chief administrative center of the Caribbean island of Aruba, West Indies. It is located on the island’s western coast.
Oranjestad is a free port and a key center for petroleum processing and shipping. The harbor, which features two basins, is equipped with modern cargo-handling and fueling facilities. Additionally, the city serves as a popular port of call for commercial cruise ships.
The city has brightly colored buildings and fine residential sections and boasts a vibrant culture influenced and shaped by its colonial past. For example, Fort Zoutman is located in downtown Oranjestad and is Aruba’s oldest building, dating to 1798. The fort was once built to protect the town from pirates and enemies. In 1868 the Willem III Tower was added to the fort and served as Aruba’s first public clock; its lighthouse was equipped with a spire and petrol lamp to help guide ships and boats near the Aruban coast. While Oranjestad is a popular tourist destination, the city’s resident population also continues to grow steadily. Pop. (2010) 28,294; (2020) 28,658.
There are many influences of Dutch colonial architecture throughout the city. Because of increased government interest in maintaining the island’s cultural heritage, a number of old buildings and houses in the center of Oranjestad have been transformed into restored landmarks, such as the bright green-painted City Hall, where many tourists get married. There are also several museums of interest in Oranjestad. One of the most popular is the National Archaeological Museum Aruba, which houses artifacts and contains information about the Indigenous inhabitants of Aruba and also exhibits other archaeological finds from the island. The Aruba Aloe Vera Factory and Museum details the history and importance of the aloe vera plant, which at one time covered almost over two-thirds of the island’s surface because of its ideal climate and soil conditions.
Oranjestad also offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, beaches, and parks. One popular spot is Wilhelmina Park, named for Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, who reigned from 1890 to 1948. The park is a favorite among both locals and tourists, featuring broad walking paths shaded by palms and offering a great view of the shoreline toward the popular Surfside Beach.
Visitors to Oranjestad also enjoy nearby destinations such as the Conchi Natural Pool, located about 13 miles (21 kilometers) from the city. Known locally as Conchi or Cura di Tortuga (Turtle’s Cove), this natural swimming pool is nestled within the rugged landscape of Arikok National Park. Volcanic rock formations create a natural basin, shielding the pool from the ocean’s waves. Due to its remote location, Conchi is accessible only by foot, ATV, or horseback.
For sports enthusiasts Oranjestad is also home to the Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadium, which serves as the venue for Aruba’s national soccer team.
