Fort Kyk-Over-Al

Kyk-Over-Al, which means see over all, was built by the Dutch on a small island where the Mazaruni and Cuyuni meet the Essequibo, from around 1616, and it was the administrative centre of the Essequibo colony for well over a century before the seat moved downriver to Fort Island. What survives is a single brick archway standing among the trees, with foundations around it. The position explains the name: the island commands all three rivers.

History

The Dutch built the fort in 1616 where the Essequibo, Cuyuni and Mazaruni meet, and its name means "see over all", for its view over the rivers; it was the centre of the Dutch administration of the colony. By 1672 it was described as a two-storey brick building about 20 m square with a powder magazine inside the wall; in 1716 it had become so crowded that new buildings went up nearby, by 1748 it was completely abandoned and stripped for building material, and on 20 July 1999 the ruins were made a National Monument (Wikipedia, Fort Kyk-Over-Al).

What's there

• The brick archway - the one substantial piece of the fort still standing.
• The foundations - low remains of the rest of the structure among the trees.
• The confluence - the meeting of the Essequibo, Mazaruni and Cuyuni around the island.
• The position - the sightlines up and down all three rivers.

When to go

September to April is drier and the most comfortable. The rivers are high in the wet seasons and landing is harder. Mornings are best for the boat trip.

Things to know

Very little remains beyond the archway and the visit is short. Boat prices from Bartica should be agreed before setting out. There are no facilities on the island.

Nearby

Bartica is a short boat ride away, and Marshall Falls is up the Mazaruni.

Key facts