Page 25 - Discover Curacao
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HISTORIC PLANTATION HOUSES
In the second half of the 17th century, the Dutch West India Company
divided up Curaçao’s land amongst private landowners. On their plantations
these new owners built large mansions (“landhuizen”) for themselves and
their families, complete with storehouses, stables and quarters for house
slaves. Small huts, known as ‘kunuku houses’, were built for the field slaves
and can still be seen on the island today.
Today, about 55 historic plantation houses have been preserved. Their
current functions vary and all are worth a visit. Here are a few of the finest:
LANDHUIS KNIP (OR KENEPA):
Dates from the late 17th century, when it was used for livestock and
agriculture. Today it houses the Tula Museum, named after the slave who
led a famous rebellion on the island in 1795.
