Paramaribo reveals itself through the interplay of its historic city center, riverfront, architecture and cultural themes. If you are looking for specific connections between the city’s history and culture for your trip, the Palmentuin, the Koto Museum, Keizerstraat and Centrale Markt offer different perspectives. The historic city center lies on the left bank of the Suriname River; it is bounded to the north by Sommelsdijkse Kreek and to the south by Viottekreek. The cityscape also features the large public Palmentuin behind Fort Zeelandia.
Urban layout and architectural history
The grid-like street network of the historic city center was laid out from 1683 along an axis running northwest from Fort Zeelandia. The main streets follow shell ridges, which provided naturally drained building sites. The urban layout thus combines a clear structure with a natural foundation: the shape of the land played a role in how the streets were laid out. To appreciate the city center, it is therefore worth considering the street layout and the landscape together.
The historic city center is also an exceptional example of European architectural and construction techniques combined with Indigenous South American materials and craft traditions to create a new architectural language. The Presidential Palace, built in 1730, is another important feature of the cityscape. The street layout and buildings offer different ways to explore the city’s history: the development of the grid on the one hand, and the blending of different building and craft traditions on the other.
Palmentuin and cultural insights
Palmentuin lies behind the Presidential Palace, between Kleine Combéweg, Grote Combéweg and the Wakapasi Promenade. Together with its location behind Fort Zeelandia, the large public park can be placed in the context of the city’s notable landmarks. It offers another point of reference in the city center, alongside the street network and the buildings described above.
The Koto Museum features life-size dolls dressed in traditional Creole clothing. Headscarves, koto fabrics, bracelets and necklaces each have meanings and stories associated with them. The stories connected with these garments are therefore part of what is on display. The museum also offers advice on making koto garments and demonstrations of how to tie the angisa. If you are particularly interested in seeing a demonstration, check its availability before your visit.
Keizerstraat, the market and dining
A synagogue and a mosque stand side by side on Keizerstraat. Their position in relation to each other is a striking detail to look for as you explore the city: here, it is not just the individual buildings that catch the eye, but also their proximity to one another.
Centrale Markt is located on Waterkant, near the Suriname River, and is considered the largest covered market in the Caribbean. The building was designed by architect Peter Nagel and officially opened on April 18, 1970. Its location, architecture and opening date offer different ways to explore the history of the market. There are numerous bars and restaurants in and around Van Sommelsdijckstraat, offering a wide selection of dishes. Dining options thus complement the cultural and architectural themes that Paramaribo has in store for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Zanderij, Slootwijk, Nieuw-Nickerie, Domburg, Berg En Dal, Bottopassi, Republiek, Alkmaar
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