939. (Arguably) Curaçao’s Most Famous Building

The iconic 300+ year old Penha House is the anchor of the famous Handelskade (Curaçao’s waterfront), it’s also the first dated example of the former merchant’s houses built during the prosperous days of the 18th Century. The house was built for a Dutch governor’s widow, the mother-in-law of the governor then in office. The Governor’s palace is conveniently located across the street (I don’t know bout you, I wouldn’t want my mother-in-law as a neighbor… granted in this case, her house is nice enough, she might never want to leave…)

In 1837, J.L. Penha & Sons bought the building and made various modifications. The bottom floor was used by J.L. Penha for his store, which is still open today and is run by his great-grandchildren.

Penha stores are among the top cosmetic, perfume, cologne and apparel stores in the Caribbean… and this Awesome building beckons cruise tourists like no other!