Willemstad began as a walled-in city on the east side of St. Anna Bay in 1634. That historic center is now called Punda (the point). By the early 18th century, the population expanded into Otrobanda (which means the other side). Until recently, this neighborhood was rustic and home to artists and the less wealthy. Recently it has undergone a colorful transformation, at least along the waterfront. Here you will see this statue of Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan military leader who is called The Liberator.
