This small village in North Brabant has a restored 18th-century windmill and a medieval church tower. Local farmers still maintain traditional dairy practices near the Maas River.
Oranjestad, the main town of Sint Eustatius island, sits between the Quill volcano and the Caribbean Sea. Walk through Fort Oranje's 17th-century stone gates, snorkel among underwater ruins in Oranje Bay, or climb the Dutch Reformed church tower for views across the island. The town's streets wind past colonial merchants' houses and the stone foundations of what was once one of the Americas' earliest synagogues.
Upper and Lower Town Layout
Oranjestad spans two distinct areas. A narrow strip of buildings makes up Lower Town along the waterfront, where dive shops and stone ruins line a calm beach. In Upper Town, you'll walk past local restaurants, small shops, and 18th-century buildings with restored red-tile roofs and white-painted walls.
Fort Oranje and Colonial Buildings
Fort Oranje stands in central Oranjestad on a cliff edge. You can walk through this 17th-century fortress to see its original cannons and explore its stone bastions and courtyard. The streets around the fort contain well-preserved 18th-century merchants' houses, including the former Lieutenant Governor's residence on Kerkstraat with its distinctive yellow walls.
Historical Religious Sites
The stone foundation and cemetery of an early synagogue mark one of the oldest Jewish sites in the Americas. The Dutch Reformed church from 1755 retains its original tower, which you can climb for panoramic views of the island and Caribbean Sea. The church's partial ruins include standing walls and archways open to visitors.
Marine Activities
In Oranje Bay, you can snorkel or dive among submerged 18th-century warehouse foundations. Several dive shops in Lower Town run trips to nearby reefs and wrecks. The bay's protected waters make swimming safe, with easy beach access near the dive centers.
Nature and Hiking
The Quill volcano rises 602 meters southeast of town. You can hike marked trails through the Quill/Boven National Park, where you might spot red-billed tropicbirds and bridled quail-doves. The Miriam Schmidt Botanical Garden grows native plants like sea grape trees and wild orchids, while the Sint Eustatius National Marine Park protects coral reefs and sea turtle nesting sites.
Practical Information
The town has grocery stores, a library, schools, and a medical clinic. While Dutch is the official language, most residents speak English. F.D. Roosevelt Airport connects the island to nearby Caribbean destinations.
