Oranjestad, Aruba

From Freepedia

Oranjestad (population 21,000) is the capital and chief city of Aruba located on the southern coast near the western end of the island.

The town was built around Fort Zoutman, shortly after it was built in 1796 and Oranjestad has been the capital of Aruba ever since. The fort is still one of the town's attractions, others being the tax-free harbour and the Willem III Tower, located near the fort.

Oranjestad is served by the Queen Beatrix International Airport.

Caya G. F. Betico Croes is Aruba's main shopping street in Oranjestad.

Natalee Holloway, an 18-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama who disappeared on May 30, 2005, was last seen in Oranjestad, leaving Carlos’n Charlie’s, a tourist-oriented restaurant and bar.

Oranjestad's architecture has Dutch and local influences. In many parts of the city one can find many bright-coloured buildings.