- Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral (Paramaribo)
This Roman Cathedral is the city center of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. The construction of Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral started in 1882, and in 2014 it was designated as a Minor Basilica of Suriname by Pope Francis. The cathedral is said to be the tallest wooden structure in the Caribbean, standing at 48ft. The structure is an impressive Gothic-Roman architectural design with neo-gothic spires, a huge rose window and massive windows at the sides. The cathedral is currently an active holy place as well as a sightseeing attraction. It is open every day, and guided tours are available on demand. - Fort Zeelandia (Paramaribo)
In 1640, the French built a wooden structure on the banks of Suriname River as a fortress to protect themselves against the British invaders, though the fort was captured and renamed later by the Dutch. Most ancient buildings in Suriname were built using wood, thanks to an endless supply from the Amazon forest. A sightseeing tour of the fort complex will give you an opportunity to go through the two-floor main fort building, a 1790s warehouse, wooden officers’ quarters and a guard house. The fort will give you a feeling of how Suriname was in the colonial times. The most favorable weather for sightseeing is during the dry season, either August-October or February-April. - Commewijne River (Paramaribo)
Commewijne River originates from Commewijne hills in the northern part of Suriname, hence its name. Sightseeing of the river can be done on boat, bike or you can rent a car to explore the river banks. The river is surrounded by coffee plantations from the old colonial times of Suriname. While touring the river, you can also spot various bird species, and also do not miss out the open-air museum at Fort Nieuw, which has exhibits from the slave trade period. The river may have a higher water level in the rainy season, but the dry season remains the most pleasant weather for sightseeing. - Palmentuin (Paramaribo)
Palmentuin is a Dutch word meaning palm gardens. The garden is just behind the Suriname Presidential Palace and it offers a calm break from the hustle of the city. It has about 1000 royal palms which were planted in the 1600s, as an order of the first Dutch Governor in Suriname. There is a kids’ playground, several statues of importance to the history of Suriname and many benches to hang out on. The garden is a perfect place to cool down especially during the hot afternoons, but do not extend your sightseeing stay up to late afternoon since the garden is not well lit. - Peperpot Nature Park (Paramaribo)
Peperpot Nature Park sits on an 800ha piece of land in the capital of Suriname. The park is along the river banks of river Suriname in a place which was once a coffee and cocoa plantation known as Pepper Pot. The park is a favorite for bird watchers as it is a home to more than 400 species of birds. It is also a natural habitat for cute monkeys, butterflies, and lizards. While sightseeing, you will need insect repellant to ward off mosquitos. Sightseeing the park does not necessarily need a guide as the trails are easy and well-marked. - Jodensavanne (Paramaribo)
Historical sightseers have a lot to admire from Jodensavanne, an agricultural community established by Jews who fled from Spain to Suriname in the 1600s. The Jews constructed the first synagogue in Suriname, which is still present at the site. There are also cemeteries with about 216 tombstones made with stones imported from Europe and beautifully ornamented. The synagogue and the cemeteries are the major monumental sightseeing spots at Jodensavanne. The best time of the year for sightseeing is during the dry months, as the monuments and most other parts or Suriname are prone to flooding during the wet period. - Paramaribo Zoo (Paramaribo)
Paramaribo Zoo is the only zoo in Suriname, so you cannot afford to miss it. The zoo has been In Suriname for more than 40 years, and has most of the animals that you can find in the country. The notable animals include Surinamese monkeys, cayman, jaguars, the boa constrictor, and anacondas. Birds like the kingfisher and red ibis are a common sight too. There is also a children’s playground with swings, seesaws and slides. If you need a calm place to take a walk, this would still be an excellent choice as the zoo is quite extensive and not so crowded. Plan for your sightseeing tour in the dry season, especially before midday when most of the animals are awake.
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7 Must Visit Places in Suriname
November 17, 2024
Posted in Uncategorized