Palmentuin

The Palmentuin runs behind the Presidential Palace in the middle of Paramaribo, a formal grove of tall royal palms in rows with paths under them, laid out in the colonial period and named in the UNESCO inscription as an element of the historic inner city. Capuchin monkeys live in the crowns and parakeets come in noisily at dusk. It is the city's main piece of shade and open green. The garden dates from the earliest years of the town, when it was laid out as the governor's grounds behind the residence.

Background

The royal palms were planted on the orders of Cornelis van Aerssen van Sommelsdijck, who governed Suriname in 1683-1688 and let the public in from 1685. After 1688 it stayed closed to visitors until the early 20th century. The garden lies on Van Roseveltkade, and when the historic centre of Paramaribo was added to the World Heritage List in 2002 it was named specifically as a feature. In 2009 UNESCO provided US $147,000 for its refurbishment. Today it has a playground, stalls appear on holidays, and tropical birds share the grounds with the monkeys. Since 2013 a bust of Trefossa, composer of the national anthem, has stood in the park.

Source: Wikipedia, "Garden of Palms"

What's there

• The palm rows - tall royal palms in formal lines with paths beneath.
• The monkeys - capuchins living in the crowns of the trees.
• The dusk parakeets - the birds coming in noisily in the evening.
• The palace backdrop - the Presidential Palace along one side.

When to go

Year round. Early morning and dusk are coolest and best for the wildlife. Rain showers come through in the wet seasons.

Before you go

It is a park and an hour covers it. Parts can feel unkempt. It is best avoided after dark.

Nearby

Fort Zeelandia is beside it, and Independence Square is in front.

Key facts