sjoerd nienhuys

The Netherlands - 27-Mar-17 -

We found the old timber colonial buildings a very interesting architecture. Several buildings have been beautifully restored, but some buildings are in process of strong deterioration, such as some government buildings (e.g. the Ministry of Housing!!!, the police HQ). Some good guide books are available in local bookshops, but also guided tours are available. Unfortunately reinforced concrete and cement block buildings are being developed. There are signs that the technology of climatologically suitable timber constructions are being revived, using better construction methods, thermal insulation and soft-timber conservation methods. Pity.

Els Slots

3.50 The Netherlands - 07-Aug-13 -

Paramaribo is a large, sprawling city. I explored it on foot during my first day here in Suriname. As my guesthouse was located on the outskirts of town, I had to walk quite a bit in the constant dry heat. There are a lot of cars and buses on the roads, it all seemed relatively prosperous and lively. It took me about 40 minutes to reach the “Waterkant”, the stretch near the Suriname River where the area with the best quality colonial buildings starts. Along the way, in the commercial city center, there are some old wooden buildings too, but these are dilapidated and almost hidden among the gold jewellers, the casinos and the Chinese supermarkets.

The historic core zone is also blessed with quieter, leafy streets. The wooden mansions, all white, are of a size that could only have belonged to wealthy colonials or government buildings. Here also lies Fort Zeelandia – a very small fortress in the typical Dutch style. The surrounding officers' houses in my opinion are the greatest examples of the wooden architecture of Paramaribo. This whole area is in a brilliant state of conservation by the way.

I was the first to enter Fort Zeelandia that day. They had no change available yet to break my 50 Suri dollar bill, but the friendly man on guard waved me in and said I could pay later when I left. The inner court of the Fort looks unbelievably Dutch, thanks to the use of red brick I guess. The Fort now holds a museum, with a few simple but entertaining exhibition rooms.

North of Fort Zeelandia lies Independence Square. The central square itself was fenced off, maybe in preparation for the coming national holidays and festival, or because of restoration purposes, I don’t know. Fortunately, I could still walk on the surrounding road, and admire the grand Presidential Palace and the Ministry of Finance (a classical brick building with a clock tower, not unlike Independence Hall in Philadelphia). A bit further north lies the Cathedral, almost the only building in the historic area that isn’t white. Yellow and blue-grey are its colours, and it’s all made of wood. Together with the cathedral of Georgetown (Guyana), which I hope to visit in a few days, it’s the largest structure of its kind.

I really enjoyed my walk around Paramaribo – it’s a hassle-free and friendly city, with a large number of high-quality colonial buildings that is unique in the Caribbean world.

Read more from Els Slots here.

Arun G. Jairam

The Netherlands - 01-May-05 -

Paramaribo is one of the most beautiful and excited cities in south america. It has a great history. Which can be seen by the streets and houses. Its a small city, but with great people from different origines (hindi, creool, javaans, chinees, indiaan, bosneger, europeanen). Further more it has wonderfull jungle areas and sightseeing places, like new nickerie. The food/drinks are great.

I think everybody should have visit Suriname for one time it his/hers life. The climate is warm with a cool breeze. The people are great and welcomes everybody who visits the country. The history of Suriname and Paramaribo is nice and colorfull. It tells about the dutch, britisch, spanisch and portugeese influens during the past centuries. Wonderfull and nice houses, churches, buildings, etc. Go and see for your self. Greetings,