St-Martin/ Sint Maarten – Christopher Columbus' Treasure
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Caribbean Saint Martin
Island Saint Martin is a peauceful place, ideal for sailing
Saint Martin is situated quite exactly in the middle of the Leeward Islands. Whereas the island’s northern part with its 7,000 inhabitants belongs to French overseas department Guadeloupe, the southern part housing 20,000 people belongs to the Dutch territory of the Lesser Antilles. Those who would like to get to Saint Martin by plane in order to start here a cruise across the incomparable world of the Caribbean, have two possibilities to arrive. Charter tourists boarding a plane of an international airline in Amsterdam or Frankfurt am Main land at Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side of the island. Ferries anchor in Philipsburg.
The island’s history is considerably influenced by European settlers. After the French emigrants settled down here in the 17th century, some time later, the Dutch joined them and built a fortress named Fort Willem on the southern half of the island. In 1648, the both sides signed a treaty and thus agreed to coexist peacefully. An interesting detail: according to a legend, the decision about the island’s division was taken on the basis of a contest.
Marigot is situated on the west coast of the island and is the capital city of the French part. Those who arrive here by a charter yacht should first of all take a look at the lovely fishermen’s harbour. The main city of the Dutch half is Philipsburg which houses 1,300 people and is impressively located on a 1,500 metres long stretch of land. The city was established in 1763. Its inhabitants mainly lived on salt production and fishing for a long time. Those who take a walk through the city should visit the main place of Philipsburg - De Ruyterplein where one can find many central public establishments. On its southern end, there is the Little Pier where delightful boat trips through the fantastic worlds of the Caribbean start. On De Ruyterplein, the both main axes of the city begin, the bustling Voorstraat and the quieter Achterstraat. The court house on the corner of De Ruyterplein and Voorstraat is absolutely worth seeing. In 1793, it was destroyed by a hurricane. Later, it was reconstructed and today accommodates the post office and the city hall. To the east of De Ruyterplein, one can stroll by several time-honoured mansions built in the Dutch manner. Walking towards the beach, on the Kerksteeg, you will find a remarkable building of a Catholic church. A little bit further to the East, there is the seat of the government of the Leeward Islands. Those who like colourful stands and booths should get to the city market which is located westwards from De Ruyterplein. If you take a boat trip from here you will have a unique opportunity to take a look at the neighbouring islands
Saba, Sint Eustatius and Saint- Barthélemy at close range.
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