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LOCAL Wednesday 6 december 2023

Visit the historic museum at Fort Zoutman!

(Oranjestad)—Located in not part of the original man had a more tumul-
the middle of downtown structure of the fort, and tuous past, including the
Oranjestad, situated right is actually called “Willem on-and-off reception of
next to the government III Toren”. Constructed in unwanted members of the
building “Cocolishi”, is one 1867, this tower was named English military several times
of the oldest buildings of after the then-reigning king (The Netherlands was at
Aruba: Fort Zoutman. First of The Netherlands, Willem constant war with England
constructed in 1796, this III. Willem III Toren was origi- back in the colonial era).
site has been used (or left nally a light tower, but after Over the years, both the
unused) in many ways and a request from Lieutenant fort and the tower had
have survived eras of war Governor Jan Helenus in functioned as different the Historic Museum it cur- to learn more about Aruba,
and attempted disman- 1866, it also became a bell government center points, rently is. then Fort Zoutman should
tling. tower. including a tax and stamps definitely be included into
office. For some time these Despite its small size, The your itinerary.
When anyone refers to Fort The fort itself was originally two buildings also housed Historic Museum guards a
Zoutman, they are actu- constructed to protect a police precinct and jail, rich depository of the com- The museum is open Mon-
ally referring to two sepa- the commerce bay of and even experienced mercial, military and social day to Friday from 9am-
rate buildings that, over the Paardenbaai from pirates abandonment until the history of Oranjestad, offer- 6pm, and Saturday from
years, have been merged: and other disreputable Cultural Center Aruba ing a glance into how the 10am-2pm.q
the fort and the tower. characters roaming the Foundation (CCA) peti- social culture of the town
That’s right, the iconic Caribbean Sea. Unlike the tioned for its renovation in came to be. If you are in- Source: The Old Fort of Aruba
5-story, squared tower was Willem III Toren, Fort Zout- 1964, turning the site into terested in history and want by Jan Hartog.

Fresh fish right out of the Caribbean Sea to your plate

The Grand Fish Restaurant has an ex- burgers, mac & cheese and kid tenderloin.
traordinary menu starting with appetiz- Pair your meal with your favorite drink or cocktail, a
ers, salads and their famous fish soup. wine of your choice or a glass of The Grand Fish yummy
The entree dishes consist of a variety homemade fresh lemonade.
of fresh fish like whole red snapper, fish If you haven’t visited The Grand Fish yet, check out our
steak, fish cake, grilled salmon, mixed local page for a coupon for a free glass of wine and
seafood or seafood rice (paella lo- make sure to drop by. The staff will be happy to wel-
cal style) combined with sides of veg- come, guide and serve you for an amazing casual bite
etables, french fries, rice, plantain, the and good time.
island’s traditional ‘pan bati’ (slapped
bread) or funchi (cornmeal cake). The Grand Fish Restaurant is situated at Taratata Road
15, unit #1.
Each and every dish is made with pas-
sion, love and dedication. Yes… even Open from 11AM – 10PM from Wednesday till Monday
the fried ones! CLOSED on Tuesdays!!! q
ORANJESTAD – Fish restaurants are ev- There are also pasta, meat and poul-
erywhere, but do they serve fresh fish try options plus a kid-friendly menu with
daily right out of the Caribbean Sea? The crispy chicken or fish nuggets, cheese
Grand Fish Restaurant does. This locally-
owned restaurant is situated merely 5
minutes from the strip and is open as
early as 11am for the lunch lovers.

The minute you step inside you can feel
the homey and cozy warm ambiance
by the décor and the friendly staff who
will receive you with open arms.