The first Europeans arrived in Suriname in 1499                    St. Petrus & Paulus Cathedral is the largest wooden structure in South - America                    In 1676 the Dutch swapped New York for Suriname!                    Suriname became independent in 1975                    Surinamese dug out canoes are known as korjalen                    The largest rapids are located at Wonotobo                    A Leatherback Turtle can weigh 600 kg                    The highest point of Suriname is Julianatop                    3.000 km of rivers flow through Suriname                    Suriname has approximately 600 species of birds                    Suriname is home to 8 species of monkeys                    80% of Suriname's land area is rain forest                    The only Dutch speaking country in South America                    45.000 turtle nests have been recorded at Galibi                    Only in Suriname you can find the meloncactus                   
 
 
Relics of Suriname’s colonial past, especially from the Dutch era, as well as evidence of pre-Colombian and earlier Amerindian people, make Suriname special. The Old City of Paramaribo, part of our Capital and your gateway to Suriname, is now undergoing loving restoration, so history comes alive in Suriname.

Paramaribo
Suriname’s capital city. Now its historic old heart is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through narrow streets lined by historic buildings from past centuries of English,
French and especially Dutch origin. Discover the largest wooden Cathedral in the western hemisphere, as well as impressive temples, mosques, synagogues, churches and other places of worship. Explore the 17th century Fort Zeelandia set in a picturesque setting along the Suriname River amongst neatly renovated buildings frome days gone by. Walk around many of the restored houses which were built in past centuries. Discover the local markets, or sip a drink on Waterkant (the Waterfront) as you watch the busy life on the Suriname River go by. The Palm Garden, the back yard of the Presidential Palace at the lawns of Onafhankelijkheidsplein (which translates as Independence Square) is a place to spend a pleasant hour. Make sure you plan for several days in Paramaribo during your trip. For further details on historic Paramaribo and Suriname’s cultural heritage, visit the website of the Suriname Cultural Heritage Foundation:www.heritagesuriname.org
 


Suriname Tourism Foundation :: Dr J F Nassylaan 2 - Paramaribo, Republic of Suriname - South America
Phone: (597) 410357 / 424878 :: Fax: (597) 477786 :: info@suriname-tourism.org