Willemstad 1950 (source: Curaçao Foundation for Preservation)

Fort Amsterdam (foreground) and RifFort (background) 1954 (source RDMZ TG gr.427)

The Fort Amsterdam is where the development of the city started. Its location on the Point of the harbour entrance was typical for the Dutch approach of opening up a harbour or hinterland with a stronghold on the entrance of a harbour (e.g. New Amsterdam) or on a peninsula (e.g. Japan). The fortifications of Water Fort and Rif Fort are built in the 19th century. Together with the Fort Nassau they seem to form a giant and unbreakable fortress when viewed from the sea, thus discouraging any attempt for piracy or conquest.

The entrance of the harbour, the St.Anna Bay, was closed till the end of the 19th century by a long chain,  serviced from the head of the Rifzone, wher the Riffort was built. In 1886 a pontoonbridge (Queen Emma) was build by Leonard B. Smith, an American engeneer, who dedicated his life and work to Curaçao. Because the bridge moves on the waves its often called "swinging old lady".

"Queen Emma" Bridge, Entrance Anna Bay and Governor's Palace anno 1900

(source: Library of the Petrus Donders Friary, Tilburg NL)

Aerial view of Punda behaind the Fort Amsterdam and Water Fort 1952 (source: RDMZ)

Specific monuments in Punda are listed as representative properties in the World Heritage nomination. These are a.o. Fort Amsterdam, Waterfort, Synagogue "Mikve Israël", Premises in the Breedestraat, Penha building, and Premises in the Keukenstraat.