A Beautiful World Heritage City Where Diverse Cultures Blend! The Historic Inner City of Paramaribo

Paramaribo, the capital of the Republic of Suriname in northern South America, is a World Heritage city stretching along the Suriname River about 15 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. In one corner of Paramaribo, colonial-style buildings stand side by side, creating a beautiful scenery befitting a World Heritage Site.
This city is home to many religions and ethnic groups, creating a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Paramaribo retains a rare Dutch-style townscape in Latin America, making it a hidden yet popular destination! The World Heritage city is full of captivating sights that make it enjoyable even just to stroll around. Here, we’ll fully introduce the many charms of Paramaribo, a World Heritage city still not widely known!

What is the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo?

In 2002, the colonial-style cityscape of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, was registered as a World Heritage Site. The historic district of Paramaribo is home to many historic buildings such as cathedrals and forts, including the largest wooden structure in South America, making it a popular destination for tourists!
Unlike the Spanish or Portuguese-style cityscapes commonly seen in Latin America, Paramaribo has a unique atmosphere created by the blend of Dutch and Creole styles. The many wooden structures in this World Heritage city once suffered great damage from devastating fires. Today, the beautiful landscape we see has been restored through repeated efforts of preservation and repair.
In 1650, during British colonial rule, Paramaribo became the capital and prospered. When it came under Dutch control in 1667, many important buildings were constructed, creating the beautiful World Heritage city we see today. Having endured various eras, Paramaribo developed a unique culture filled with attractions found nowhere else. It’s definitely a city worth visiting at least once!

Access to the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo

There are no direct flights to Suriname, so the usual route is via major European cities. From Amsterdam in the Netherlands, there are direct flights to Paramaribo, making it very convenient.

Highlight ①: Fort Zeelandia

One of Paramaribo’s representative World Heritage buildings is Fort Zeelandia. Standing along the banks of the Suriname River, this fort was built in 1667 and is the oldest surviving building in Paramaribo. Among the wooden buildings that make up the World Heritage district, Fort Zeelandia stands out as a rare stone structure, making it easy to spot. It is also especially popular with tourists!
The red brick exterior stands out beautifully among the trees, creating a unique charm. The courtyard is also a must-see. With a museum and café inside, it’s best to take your time visiting. From the café, you can enjoy a stunning view across the Suriname River. Fort Zeelandia is a World Heritage site you definitely should not miss when visiting Paramaribo!

Highlight ②: St. Peter & St. Paul Cathedral

The St. Peter & St. Paul Cathedral is one of the most striking landmarks in Paramaribo’s historic district. It is the largest wooden cathedral in South America. Completed in 1885, this Neo-Gothic building has a beautiful photo-worthy contrast of yellow and blue on its exterior. The twin spires at the front are especially impressive.
Inside, you’ll find a spacious chapel filled with a calming atmosphere, with a subtle scent of cedar in the air. The wooden interior creates a warm, welcoming feeling that makes you want to linger. As one of Paramaribo’s most iconic World Heritage buildings, it’s a place where you can also feel spiritually blessed.

Highlight ③: Waterkant

The Waterkant riverside district is one of the most scenic areas in Paramaribo’s historic district. Its beautiful townscape, lined with distinctive white wooden houses, is a breathtaking sight!
Among its World Heritage buildings, the most popular with tourists is the Corner House, which has a beautiful Ionic-style entrance porch. Another notable building is the brick-constructed De Waag, once used for weighing agricultural products. Both are valuable structures built shortly after the great fire of 1821.
In addition to these, many other historic buildings remain in Waterkant, making it one of the most remarkable areas to visit.

◎ Summary

So, how about the World Heritage city of Paramaribo in Suriname? Though not often heard of, it is in fact a popular tourist spot. The beautiful scenery of the city makes you want to stroll around endlessly. Take your time and enjoy a relaxing experience in this South American destination. This concludes our introduction to the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo.

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A Beautiful World Heritage City Where Diverse Cultures Blend! The Historic Inner City of Paramaribo