Landhuis PortoMari

About

Landhuis PortoMari is a historic colonial plantation estate covering 594 hectares on Curaçao's western coast, with a history that can be traced back to 1684 when the government first gave permission to raise livestock in the area. The plantation house, or landhuis, was built in the second half of the 18th century as a classic Dutch-Caribbean colonial residence. In the 1930s, the house was struck by lightning and burned to the ground, a devastating event that destroyed the original structure. From the very beginning of Dutch rule in Curaçao, the sheltered bay at PortoMari was considered to be of strategic military importance for the defense of the island. A fortification was built in the 18th century on the top of Seru Caballé, a hill on the east side of the bay, to protect this valuable natural harbor. Rebuilt in 1742 as Fort Porto Marie, the fortification was equipped with ten cannons — both 12 and 18 pounders — making it one of the more heavily armed defensive positions on the island. During the British invasion of Curaçao in 1805, the fort was by no means up to strength. The English captured the fort, threw the one remaining cannon into the sea, plundered the powder house, and devastated the battery, marking the end of Fort PortoMari's military role. Today, the historic estate is closely connected to the popular Playa Porto Marie beach, one of the most visited beaches on the island, which sits on the former plantation grounds. The combination of colonial history, military heritage, and natural beach beauty makes Landhuis PortoMari a significant cultural and recreational destination. The estate is located on the road to Playa Porto Marie near Sint Willibrordus, about 35 minutes from Willemstad, and can be combined with a beach day at Playa Porto Marie and visits to nearby Cas Abao Beach and the flamingo observation tower.

Road to Playa Porto Marie

How to get there

Located on the road to Playa Porto Marie near Sint Willibrordus, about 35 min from Willemstad.