History of Paramaribo
Paramaribo: A City Steeped in History Founded in the 17th century by the British and captured by the Dutch in 1667, Paramaribo has evolved into a thriving city with a rich history. Under Dutch rule, it became an important trading hub, and its well-preserved colonial architecture earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Notable Historical Landmarks in Paramaribo Fort Zeelandia Originally built by the French in 1640 and captured by the Dutch in 1667, Fort Zeelandia has played a crucial role in the city’s defense. During Suriname’s military rule in the 1980s, it was used to hold political prisoners. Today, it stands as a reminder of the city’s layered past. Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral This magnificent wooden cathedral, completed in 1901, is the largest wooden structure in the Western Hemisphere. Made entirely of unpainted cedar from Suriname, it’s a must-see for visitors to Paramaribo. Presidential Palace of Suriname Built in 1730, this elegant palace is a prime example of Dutch colonial architecture. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains the official residence of the president and hosts government events. Arya Dewaker Hindu Temple Completed in 2001, the Arya Dewaker Hindu Temple is one of Paramaribo’s most striking landmarks. Its intricate designs and cultural significance reflect the deep-rooted influence of Hinduism in Suriname, brought by Indian laborers during colonial times. Exploring History Along the Suriname River Located on the banks of the Suriname River, Paramaribo serves as both the capital and largest city of Suriname. Home to around 241,000 residents (as of 2012), the city showcases the country's colonial past and its vibrant multicultural present. Colonial Beginnings and UNESCO Recognition Paramaribo was established as a Dutch colonial town in the 17th century, and in 2002, its historic inner city was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s architecture and street plan remain well-preserved, offering a glimpse into its colonial roots. Key Historical Moments: The Capture of Paramaribo In 1667, the Dutch captured Paramaribo during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, and the Treaty of Breda cemented the city’s status as a Dutch colony. Fort Zeelandia, named after the Dutch province of Zeeland, was established to defend the town. Architectural Legacy and Multicultural Fusion Paramaribo’s architecture reflects its diverse cultural influences. The city’s iconic wooden buildings showcase a blend of Dutch, European, and Creole styles. Notable structures include the Presidential Palace, the Ministry of Finance, and the Gothic Revival Roman Catholic Cathedral. Conclusion: A Journey Through Paramaribo’s Past From its colonial streets and historical fort to its unique blend of architectural styles, Paramaribo is a living testament to Suriname's rich history. Its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site ensures that this vibrant city will continue to captivate visitors with its cultural fusion and historical significance.
Synagogues in Suriname
Jews were among the first settlers in Suriname, arriving as early as 1630. By 1652, when the English settled the colony, Jewish families from Brazil, the Netherlands, Portugal, and England had established themselves in Thorarica (now Overbridge). They founded the "Jewish Savanne," a prosperous settlement with plantations named after biblical sites, considered by many as a second Holy Land. In 1665, the British Colonial Government granted the Jewish community significant privileges, including freedom of religion and the right to observe the Sabbath on Saturday. These rights were preserved and expanded under Dutch rule in 1667. Today, remnants of Jewish life, including the ruins of the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere, can still be found along the Suriname River. In Paramaribo, the capital, the synagogues Zedek ve Shalom and Neve Shalom still stand, with their unique sand-covered floors, a tradition dating back to the synagogues in Portugal and Dutch Brazil. The Jewish community thrived until 1825, after gaining full citizenship. Jews integrated further into Surinamese society, becoming influential as merchants, doctors, lawyers, civil servants, and teachers, playing a significant role in the colony's political life. The synagogues, as seen in our gallery, were built with sand-covered floors. One idea is that clandestine converso synagogues in Portugal or in Dutch Brazil, where Portuguese conversos used to come to pray, had sand-covered floors so as to muffle the sound of the steps of those who came to pray. The Caribbean Jews explain the meaning of the sand by saying that as long as they are not back in Jerusalem, they are still trod ding in the desert. Synagogues with sand-covered floors still exist; "Neve Shalom in Paramaribo. Zedek ve Shalom the Portuguese synagogue in Paramaribo and Beracha ve Shalom at the Jewish Savannah in Surinam were also covered with sand.
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
Central Suriname Nature Reserve: A UNESCO World Heritage Site In 1998, the government of Suriname partnered with Conservation International, an American nonprofit environmental organization, to create the Central Suriname Nature Reserve. This vast reserve was formed by merging three existing nature reserves: Elierts de Haan Gebergte, Ralleighvallen, and Tafelberg. Two years later, in 2000, the Central Suriname Nature Reserve was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding tropical rainforest ecosystem. Vast Rainforest Ecosystem The reserve covers 16,000 square kilometers (6,178 square miles) of diverse landscapes, including lowland and montane tropical rainforests. It also includes parts of the higher elevation areas of the Guiana Shield, known as the Guyana Highlands. This massive expanse protects the upper watershed of the Coppename River and the headwaters of other key rivers such as Lucie, Oost, Zuid, Saramacca, and Gran Rio. Rich Biodiversity The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is home to an incredible range of biodiversity, including over 5,000 species of vascular plants. Its animal inhabitants are typical of the region, featuring iconic species like: Jaguars Giant Armadillos Giant River Otters Tapirs Sloths Eight species of primates 400 species of birds, including the Harpy Eagle, Guiana Cock-of-the-Rock, and Scarlet Macaw Unique Geological Features The reserve also boasts distinctive geological formations, including granite inselbergs that rise up to 360 meters above the surrounding rainforest. The area contains the easternmost tepui (tabletop mountain) of the Guiana Shield, as well as the Wilhelmina Mountain Range, which reaches its highest point at Juliana Top (1,230 meters above sea level), Suriname’s tallest peak. Conservation Importance What makes the Central Suriname Nature Reserve especially significant is its pristine condition. The area is uninhabited and unhunted, allowing its ecosystems to thrive untouched. The reserve's montane and lowland forests are home to nearly 5,000 vascular plant species, many of which are endemic to the region. Additionally, the reserve features areas of swamp forest, savannah, and xerophytic vegetation on the granite outcrops.
A World in One Country!
​
Suriname is a cross-cultural mosaic where everyone lives together peacefully. In Suriname you will find Amerindian, Maroon, Jewish, Javanese, Boeroe ( Dutch farmers), Hindustani, Libanese, Creole and Chinese citizens. Each group maintains its original culture, food, customs and religion so in Suriname you will actually travel the world. You can taste a delicious variety of world dishes and see and experience the different cultural traditions.
Cultural diversity is one of Suriname's most important assets. Nowhere is this diversity more striking than along Paramaribo's Keizerstraat, where Congregation Neve Shalom and the adjacent Suriname Islamic Society mosque coexist peacefully. The mosque is the largest of hundreds scattered throughout Suriname. Neve Shalom was built in 1719 and rebuilt in 1835 and is the only functioning synagogue left in the country. This multi cultural, multi racial and multi religious atmosphere is what makes the country stand out.
​
We have many areas of historic interest: old plantations, ruins of a Jewish synagogue, lost and forgotten burial sites, old sugar mills, coffee and cacao and sugar plantations.
​