Fort Amsterdam

Fort Amsterdam is a Dutch military fort erected during the colonial period to protect Sint Maarten from competing for colonial powers such as the Spanish and British armies. Established in 1631, the Dutch colonial fort of Amsterdam was eventually attacked by Spanish forces, who held the fort for at least 15 years before fleeing Sint Maarten in 1648. Notably, it is said to be the first Dutch colonial fort built in the Caribbean.

Due to some of the Spanish forces' expansion works on the fort, the architecture of Fort Amsterdam is inspired by the Spanish. It is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Sint Marteen for visitors because of its unique combination of Dutch and Spanish features. Fort Amsterdam also has rusted cannons from the 19th century on display, as well as placards and instructive maps detailing the fort's history and evolution over time.

This medieval fort is partly in ruins and is located near Little Bay, Great Bay, and Philipsburg, the Dutch capital of St. Maarten. Fort Amsterdam is open to the public for free. The Divi Little Bay Beach Resort and the Belair Beach Hotel are two hotels close to Fort Amsterdam.

Location: On the peninsula between Great Bay and Little Bay