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Willemstad and the bridges over St Anna Bay

Willemstad’s harbour has two very different crossings: a floating bridge that opens for ships and a high fixed bridge. The Scharloo district adds a maritime museum.

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Pedestrians on the floating Queen Emma Bridge with Willemstad’s colourful waterfront behind
Queen Emma Bridge and the Handelskade waterfront in Willemstad.Photograph: Martin Falbisoner

At a glance

Emma Bridge crossing
8 May 1888[1]
Juliana Bridge height
55 metres high[2]
Museum building
Scharloo mansion built in 1729[3]

A place worth remembering

A floating crossing that opens

The National Archives Curaçao records that on 8 May 1888 people could walk between Punda and Otrobanda over the Queen Emma pontoon bridge for the first time. The Curaçao Ports Authority says the pontoon bridge opens day and night for incoming and outgoing vessels.[1][2]

A fixed bridge above the bay

The Curaçao Ports Authority describes the Queen Juliana Bridge as a fixed crossing over St Anna Bay, 55 metres high. According to the National Archives Curaçao, the Queen Emma Bridge was closed to all vehicles when the Juliana Bridge opened in 1974.[2][1]

Charts in a Scharloo mansion

The Curaçao Tourist Board says the Curaçao Maritime Museum is in a Scharloo mansion built in 1729. It mentions authentic nautical charts and ship models, among other things.[3]

Good to know

A few clear answers before you explore.

Why can ships pass the Queen Emma Bridge?

The Curaçao Ports Authority says the floating pontoon bridge opens day and night for incoming and outgoing vessels.[2]

Is the Queen Juliana Bridge also floating?

No. The Ports Authority describes it as a fixed bridge, 55 metres high.[2]

What does the Maritime Museum show?

The Curaçao Tourist Board mentions nautical charts and ship models in a Scharloo mansion.[3]

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