Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam
An 18th-century star-shaped fortress at the meeting point of two rivers, now an open-air museum with batteries, a prison and exhibits on slavery.
Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam was built between 1734 and 1747 to guard the confluence of the Suriname and Commewijne rivers against fleets from France and other powers, and it was later used as a prison. Today it is an open-air museum, preserving its five-pointed star earthen walls, moat, powder magazine, old prison and riverside batteries, along with exhibits on the slave trade and indentured labour. It lies on the Commewijne side, about 30 minutes' drive from Paramaribo, and is often combined with dolphin cruises or plantation bike rides. Admission costs a few US dollars.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun approx. 09:00–17:00 (confirm on site)
Nearby sights
- Suriname River Dolphin Cruise
- Marienburg Sugar Plantation
- Plantation Frederiksdorp
- Paramaribo Zoo
- Garden of Palms
- Presidential Palace of Suriname
- Fort Zeelandia
- Independence Square