CUR TravelGuide 02.04.20 - Flipbook - Page 69
SCHARLOO
The Scharloo area was originally used for farming, then partly for
shipbuilding. After a strong hurricane destroyed many of the villas of
wealthy Jewish families in Pietermaai in 1877, they looked for a safer
location and moved to Scharloo to build large mansions for their families.
Most of these buildings have been beautifully restored and are being used
as museums, a hotel, and offices. Scharloo is slowly but steadily becoming
the creative district of Curaçao. Several innovative startups, eateries, and
art galleries have settled in the neighborhood.
TO DO IN SCHARLOO:
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Guided Tours. A walking tour around Scharloo is probably the
best way to experience this unique district and provides you more
insight of how neighborhood revitalization is taking place. Discover
the stunning architecture, meet the neighbors, and even enjoy
spontaneous music performances along the way.
Street Art. Colorful murals are turning Scharloo into an outdoor
gallery. Life-size works of art from renowned local and internatonal
artists now grace the walls of the neighborhood. Admire them on
Bitterstraat and Parke Leyba.
Hidden Lunchrooms. If you want great coffee, a breakfast bagel,
or local lunch make sure to stop at one of the lunchrooms in the
neighborhood. Each with their own flair, all worth a try.
Maritime Museum. The Curaçao Maritime Museum takes you
on a discovery tour of more than 500 years maritime history
of Curaçao. The story-line is illustrated through a permanent
exhibition consisting of displays with authentic nautical charts,
ship models and navigation equipment combined with audiovisual
stations. In addition, the museum offers a harbor tour on one of the
original harbor ferries.
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