Fort Zoutman and King Willem III Tower

The oldest remains of the Dutch settlement and Aruba's oldest building, Fort Zoutman in downtown Oranjestad was built in 1796 for protection against pirates and enemies. In 1868, the Willem III Tower was added to the Fort and served as Aruba's first public clock and as a lighthouse equipped with a spire and petrol lamp.

After the light was extinguished in the tower, Fort Zoutman housed for almost a century different organizations like government offices, police department, library, post office and a prison. Today the buildings house the Historical Museum, which is a museum displaying many artifacts from Aruba's earliest through those reminiscent of colonial times up to the present day.

Every Tuesday night the Bon Bini Festival takes place at the 18th-century assembled Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad. Celebrating the island's culture and history, including folkloric acts, local music and food!