Stone walls
Old ruins.
Ymnes — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ymnes — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ymnes — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ymnes — CC BY-SA 4.0
Fort Amsterdam is the ruin of a colonial stone fort on a headland between Great Bay and Little Bay, near Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, about 2 km in a straight line south-west of the town centre. It is among the oldest colonial structures in the region. The Dutch built the triangular fort in 1631 to guard their settlement and the island's harbour, and control of it later passed between several European powers during the colonial era. Today only stone walls, the remains of buildings and an old cannon on the grass survive. Visitors walk to the fort along a short path on the headland, and from the top the view takes in the blue water of both bays, cruise ships moored at Philipsburg's port and green hills. It is a quiet spot away from the bustle of town, with trees and coastal plants around it. The visit is free. The path is exposed to the sun, so bring water and a hat; the ruins are unfenced in places, so take care as you explore, and mornings are cooler.
Old ruins.
On the grass.
And the cruise port.
Near Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Yes.
Little, so bring water and a hat.