Paramaribo

Cultural Landmarks

Explore the colonial history and cultural heritage of Paramaribo and its surroundings through these five significant sites. The selection includes 17th and 18th-century pentagonal fortifications like Fort Zeelandia and Fort Nieuw Amsterdam, which historically protected the Suriname River. Specialized museums highlight distinct aspects of local identity, from traditional Afro-Surinamese Koto dress and Angisa headscarves to the evolution of the country’s telecommunications and archival collections of historical documents and maps.

Fort Zeelandia

A 17th-century pentagonal fortress on the Suriname River. Originally a British fortification called Fort Willoughby, it was captured by the Dutch in 1667. Today, it houses the Suriname Museum, featuring archaeological finds and colonial-era artifacts.

Fort Nieuw Amsterdam

An 18th-century open-air museum situated at the confluence of the Suriname and Commewijne rivers. The site features original powder magazines, old prison cells, and a collection of Dutch and English cannons.

Koto Museum

A specialized museum showcasing the history and cultural significance of the Koto, a traditional Afro-Surinamese dress, and the Angisa, a folded headscarf used to convey secret messages.

Bibliotheek Surinaams Museum

A research library and archive containing a comprehensive collection of books, historical maps, and documents pertaining to Suriname’s colonial history and cultural development.

Telecom museum

Located within the Fort Nieuw Amsterdam complex, this museum displays the history of Surinamese communication technology, including vintage telephones, switchboards, and telegraph equipment.