Pietermaai District
Boutique Hotel 't Klooster and its sister hotel BOHO Bohemian Boutique Hotel is part of the bustling Pietermaai District with fantastic facilities for every age group, and the district is a walking distance from the heart of Willemstad!
Colorful Pietermaai District
Pietermaai District attracts business people, artists, students and travelers. It is also fondly referred to as the “SoHo” of Curaçao, with beautiful architecture and a rich history.
In Pietermaai District you will find boutique hotels, small shops, cozy cafes, beach clubs and top-rated restaurants, so there is always something to do both during the day and night. Because everything is so close to each other, you can easily explore Pietermaai on foot. It is a neighborhood full of mystery, creativity and fun!
History Of Pietermaai District
Pietermaai takes its name from the ship's captain Pieter de Meij. He settled in Curaçao from Brazil around 1674 and owned a plantation near the current Julianaplein, called 'Zeelucht'. In the 19th century, the realization that old-fashioned fortifications could no longer protect against enemy attacks gained ground and the city walls were demolished in the second half of the century. Part of the Waaigat had to be filled in with the released rubble. New building sites were reclaimed to the north and east of the city, which extended to today's Nieuwestraat. A few years ago, the name of part of the Pietermaaiweg was changed to Kaya Wilson Godett, in memory of the man who played an important role in the events around May 30, 1969. Godett was also one of the founders of the political party ' Frente Obrero i Liberashon 30 Tues May'. However, the names Pietermaai and Pietermaaiweg have remained in use among the population.
In the mid-19th century, Pietermaai became a hub for ideas, business and culture. Theaters and small craft businesses added to the neighborhood's appeal and continue to inspire the vibrant atmosphere for which the area is known today. In the late 20th century, the neighborhood was overrun by drug peddlers and remnants of that period are still visible in a few buildings. Today, most of the dilapidated buildings have been restored and modern buildings occupy previously vacant lots.
Where Is Pietermaai Located?
The Pietermaai district is located in Willemstad directly adjacent to the Punda district and has been on the world heritage list since 1997, because of its unique cultural value.
The Pietermaai district used to be a narrow piece of land between the sea and the Waaigat inlet. Later, part of the Waaigat was filled in, making Pietermaai wider. Houses were built on both sides of this narrow piece of land that were set quite a distance from each other. Only after the wall in Punda was demolished in 1860, houses were built between Pietermaai and Punda. Today some stately mansions in Pietermaai have been restored and serve as offices and business plots; others are still dilapidated.
Most vibrant district of Curacao
To this day, the area is still being developed. The district has since grown into a safe and vibrant neighbourhood. With a lot of social control during the day, in the evening and at night. With the combination of local residents, students, business people and tourists, it is a mixture of ages and cultures, which gives the neighborhood a face.
If you want to read more about Pietermaai District, take a look at the Pietermaai Pocket Guide or the Pietermaai District facebook page for the latest news and things to do in the district!
