Landhuis Cas Abou

About

Landhuis Cas Abou is a historic colonial plantation estate dating back to the 17th century, once encompassing nearly a thousand acres of land in the Sint Willibrordus area on Curaçao's western coast. The plantation was originally named Engelenberg after its owner Willebrord van Engelen, who also owned the nearby Van Engelen plantation. The main activity at Cas Abou was agriculture, with salt mining also practiced as a secondary economic activity, taking advantage of the nearby salt flats that were a common feature of Curaçao's western coast. The plantation house incurred heavy damage during the slave rebellion of 1795, when enslaved people across the island rose up against the colonial system in one of the most significant acts of resistance in Caribbean history. The estate also suffered from English sackings approximately 14 years after the rebellion, reflecting the turbulent military and political history that affected Curaçao during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Despite this damage, the plantation house was completely restored around 1970, at which time a number of modifications were applied to the facades, dormers, and windows to preserve the building while updating some of its architectural elements. Today, the restored Landhuis Cas Abou stands as a testament to the resilience of Curaçao's colonial architecture and the complex history of plantation life on the island. The plantation house is located near Sint Willibrordus on the road to Westpunt, about 35 minutes from Willemstad, and is easily accessible by car. The estate is closely connected to the nearby Cas Abao Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the island, which sits on the former plantation grounds. Landhuis Cas Abou can be combined with visits to Cas Abao Beach, the flamingo observation tower at Sint Willibrordus, and other nearby plantation houses including Landhuis San Juan and Landhuis Jan Kok for a full day of colonial heritage and beach exploration on Curaçao's western coast.

St. Willibrordus

How to get there

Located near Sint Willibrordus on the road to Westpunt, about 35 min from Willemstad. Turn at the Cas Abao sign.