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Fort Sint Andries
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Fort Sint Andries was a strategically vital Dutch fortification located at the confluence of the Canje and Berbice Rivers, near present-day New Amsterdam. Constructed during the 1730s and 1740s by the Dutch West India Company, the fort was designed to secure the expanding colony of Berbice. It functioned as both an administrative hub and a military outpost for monitoring naval traffic and defending against rival colonial powers like Britain and France. During the Great Berbice Slave Rebellion of 1763, the fort played a pivotal role as a sanctuary for Dutch settlers before they were eventually forced to retreat toward the river's mouth. Following the permanent British acquisition of the colony in 1803, the fort lost its strategic utility and was abandoned. Today, only ruins and foundations of the once-imposing site remain, largely reclaimed by dense tropical vegetation. The site serves as a significant archaeological landmark, recalling the Dutch era and the intense conflicts for control over Guiana.
- Location: Guyana
- Top sights: Glasgow Methodist Church · Presbyterian Church · Masjid Annur
- Nearby: Rosignol (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 138 | 111 | 103 | 149 | 266 | 235 | 228 | 147 | 66 | 65 | 93 | 183 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Fort Sint Andries is a small Dutch defensive installation from the 18th century at the mouth of the Berbice River. The ruins are freely accessible, but the site is often unkempt and partly overgrown.
Typical hours
As an open ruin, there are no hours of operation. Due to the remote location and lack of lighting, visiting is only possible and safe during daylight.
Photography
Photography is unrestricted. The riverside location gives beautiful shots of the ruins with the water in the background.
Time needed
Exploring the small fort takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, a walk along the riverbank is worthwhile.
Combine with
Combine the visit with Fort Nassau and the town of New Amsterdam, all in the Berbice region. A ferry crosses the Berbice River connecting the two sides.
Getting there
Fort Sint Andries is about 5 km from New Amsterdam at the mouth of the Berbice River. It's best reached by car or taxi on the road along the river.
Insider tip
Bring water and insect repellent as the swampy environment has many mosquitoes. Combine the visit with a boat ride on the Berbice River to see the fort from a different perspective.
Geography
Facts
- The fort was commissioned circa 1740 by the Dutch West India Company.
- It is situated at the strategically important mouth of the Canje River.
- Governor van Hoogenheim sought refuge here during the 1763 uprising.
- The site was abandoned by the mid-19th century as New Amsterdam grew.
- Archeological remains at the site include Dutch brickwork and foundations.
- The fort is named after Saint Andrew, reflecting the Dutch influence in the region.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Fort Sint Andries (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Fort Sint Andries?
It is a former Dutch fortification at the mouth of the Canje River.
Can the ruins be visited?
Yes, but very few remains are left, and they are often overgrown with vegetation.
Where is it located?
It is located near New Amsterdam in the East Berbice-Corentyne region.
When was it built?
It was built in the 18th century by the Dutch to defend Berbice.
Is there a visitor center there?
No, there is no tourist infrastructure at the site.
Fort Sint Andries: where is it located?
Fort Sint Andries is located in Guyana.
Fort Sint Andries: what is there to see?
Highlights include Glasgow Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church, Masjid Annur.
Fort Sint Andries: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Sep, Oct.
Fort Sint Andries: why is it worth visiting?
Fort Sint Andries was a strategically vital Dutch fortification located at the confluence of the Canje and Berbice Rivers, near present-day New Amsterdam.
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History & landmarks
Mission Chapel
A historic church in New Amsterdam known for its role in the lives of the enslaved population.
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A significant religious and architectural landmark located in the town of New Amsterdam.
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A large historical and still active agricultural center for sugar production in the Berbice region.
Nature
More places
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A historical Christian church in New Amsterdam closely associated with the history of slave emancipation.
Port of New Amsterdam
A river port in New Amsterdam serving the Berbice region.
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A deep water port under construction to support the agricultural and oil sectors.
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A massive agricultural polder system in Berbice, which is one of the most important rice-growing areas in Guyana.
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An industrial center in the Berbice region developed for economic diversification.
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