Paramaribo’s historic center preserves its original street plan. Its buildings bring together Dutch architectural influences with traditional local techniques and materials. This combination is what makes the place interesting: the street layout and building methods jointly shape the character of the historic center. You can explore historic Paramaribo on foot or by bicycle. This lets you focus on the aspects of the city that interest you most, whether that is the street layout, individual buildings, or both.

Settlement history at specific sites

Jodensavanne was founded in the 1680s. Traces of the settlement include the ruins of a synagogue, cemeteries, foundations of brick buildings, boat landings, and a military outpost. The synagogue is thought to possibly be the earliest synagogue of architectural significance in the Americas. The site thus brings together several kinds of historical remains, while the possible classification of the synagogue retains an important qualification.

A chronological comparison takes us to Cassipora Creek: its cemetery is a remnant of an older settlement founded in the 1650s. About three decades later, it was abandoned when its residents moved two kilometers downstream to Jodensavanne. Cassipora thus points to the earlier settlement phase, and Jodensavanne to the later site. The time span and direction of the move give this historical connection a concrete spatial and temporal outline.

Buildings with different historical associations

Buildings in Paramaribo tell of further changes. Fort Zeelandia was built in 1667 on the site of the Indigenous village of Parmurbo. The Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral Basilica stands on Henck Arronstraat, where a Jewish theater previously stood; it is considered the largest wooden structure in the Western Hemisphere. A colonial building also took on a new function: after Suriname’s independence in 1975, it became the Presidential Palace. The palace faces Independence Square, with the Palm Garden behind it. These sites thus bring together former uses, architecture, and a later change in political function.

Two museums explore cultural themes beyond architecture. The Koto Museum focuses on Afro-Surinamese clothing and culture, while the Lalla Rookh Museum explores the history of the Hindustani community. If you plan to visit either museum, check the opening hours before your visit.

Forest conservation on two scales

The Central Suriname Nature Reserve covers 1,592,000 hectares, mostly primary tropical forest, and extends across around eleven percent of Suriname’s territory. It protects the upper watershed of the Coppename River as well as the headwaters of other rivers. The area gives a sense of the scale of the reserve; the watersheds and headwaters add a perspective on the importance of rivers to the landscape.

Covering more than 800 hectares, Peperpot Nature Park is another example of a protected landscape; it is located in the Commewijne District. Its forest trails are suitable for hiking and wildlife watching. While the Central Suriname Nature Reserve is characterized by its size and the protected river areas, Peperpot’s trails offer a practical way to enjoy these activities. The two places thus offer different perspectives on Suriname’s nature: large-scale forest conservation and exploration along forest trails.

Discover more destinations

Paramaribo, Domburg, Slootwijk, Alkmaar, Zanderij, Berg En Dal, Nieuw-Nickerie, Bottopassi, Republiek, Wanica, Sipaliwini, Saramacca, Commewijne