PROPERTY FOR SALE IN CURACAO is beautiful, most with breathtaking views of the island around. If asked about the architecture of the Caribbean, many tourists think of colorful houses and grass huts. In Curacao, however, architecture is inextricably linked to the colonial past. Despite the sparkling Caribbean Sea and a dry climate, Curacao is very like the Dutch city of Amsterdam. Curacao has been under the control of the Netherlands since the 17th century it was built as a home away from home for the colonizers. Over the years, a Dutch architecture began to include many Caribbean traits. The additions of elements such as porches, verandas and bright exterior colors created spectacular places for the visitors there today. Although many people call the island "Holland in Miniature", you will be greeted by a world that is uniquely Curacao. Curacao was originally discovered by the on the expedition of Amerigo Vespucci and Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. After gaining control of the island and seeing off the Arawak population, the Spanish ruled the island for over a century. However, in 1634, the Dutch invaded in Curacao, and quickly turned the island into the Caribbean version of Holland. Under the government of Pieter Stuyvesant, the Dutch fought off the attacks by the English and French with the support of a series of forts along the coast. many of these forts remain today - some of which have been converted into bars and restaurants. The capital of Willemstad dates back to the Dutch attack in 1634, and the out-linings of its fort walls are still visible. After the signing of a peace treaty with Spain, the Dutch began to build many homes and businesses across the island. Focus on Curacao and Dutch rulers quickly turned from defense and to the trade market which was expanding quickly In the early 18th century, about 200 homes and business had been built into the walls of Willemstad, each a charming Dutch style of the time. In Willemstad, the best example of the "Holland in miniature" concept is the neighborhood known as Otrobanda. Designed on a grid of streets which are winding and narrow, this area is most like the archetypal 17th century Dutch town. As the city grew over the centuries thereafter Otrobanda became the cultural center of the island in the early 20th century. In fact most of Curacao's best-known politicians, artists and musicians come from this unique Capital. Today Otrobanda continues to show both a strong ethnic and cultural diversity - a feature seen in local companies and among the residents, to walk the labyrinth like streets There is lots of PROPERTY FOR SALE IN CURACAO in the capital, and it is advisable to walk in the areas known as Punda - also called "old Willemstad" which is known for its imposing fortress - and Pietermaai - a suburb of downtown Willemstad, known for its colonial houses. Perhaps the most interesting fact is that the buildings constructed in Punda were in fact perfect replicas of the homes and businesses that lined the canals of Amsterdam. Today, Punda features architecture from several different eras of European design with each building carefully preserved. The district Pietermaai dates back to the early 18th century and was the first residential development beyond the walls of Willemstad. Many of these European homes have since been converted into businesses, while others remain in their original state.
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