Fort Zeelandia
About This Museum
Fort Zeelandia isn't your typical grand stone fortress; it's a quiet, weathered sentinel of brick and earth overlooking the mud-brown currents of the Essequibo River. What makes it truly unique is its story as the very seat of Dutch colonial power here, a place where the fate of a colony was decided. The air feels thick with old secrets, from its time as a defensive outpost to its darker days as a prison. It’s a place that demands you listen to the whispers of the past.
Collection Highlights
You'll find hefty, rusting cannons still pointing riverward and fragile, handwritten ledgers detailing everything from sugar exports to the grim inventory of enslaved people. Don't miss the scale model showing how the original star-shaped fort looked in its prime, a stark contrast to the peaceful ruins you see today.
Visitor Information
Come prepared for a bit of an adventure—the journey here is part of the story. Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the grassy ramparts, and take a moment to just sit on the old walls. The view of the river hasn't changed much in three centuries, and it's the best exhibit of all.
Architecture & Building
It's a classic, if modest, Dutch fortification built from brick and timber, featuring those distinctive triangular bastions designed to give defenders a clear line of fire.
Contact & Location
Address: Fort Zeelandia, South Essequibo Road, Larimakabra, Sparta - Bonasika and Rest of Essequibo Islands, Essequibo Islands, Guyana
Phone: +592 254 1552
Website: Visit Website
