Sights and Landmarks

LANDHUIS ROOI KATOOTJE

This plantation, nearly 75 acres, was originally called 'Rust en Vree' (Peace and quiet). The plantation was in the neighbourhood of Rooi Catootje. The colonial home was built ca. 1820 and was used as a country home for most of the time. A "rooij" is a drainage system for rainwater. The colonial home Rooi Catootje is valuable for the history of the former Dutch Antilles because the Round Table conference was held there. This conference established the self-government of the Dutch Antilles.

In memory of Salomon (Mongui) Abraham Levy Maduro, a foundation carrying his name was established on March 5, 1974 by his widow Mrs. Rachel Louise (Lou) L. Maduro and his daughter Mrs. Ena Dankmeijer-Maduro. The Foundation compromises the plantation house "Rooi Catootje", its antique furniture and its priceless library, containing a unique collection of "Antilliana" and "Judaica".

It was Mr. Maduro's desire to make his valuable collection available to the public. The resulting library not only allows the public to share its contents as a reference collection, but also maintains "Rooi Catootje" as a historical monument.