Fort Belgica

In the 17th century, Banda Neira was the only place in the world where nutmeg was grown. European power fought wars over the spices that were only available from the Spice Islands of Banda.

Fort Nassua, lower and closer to the water, was originally built by the Portuguese before they run out by the Dutch. The Dutch deemed it necessary to spend the effort on a bigger, higher fort to protect their interests. A square fort was built on the hill over Banda Neira in the early 1600’s, but after damage from earthquakes and neglect, in 1672 work commenced on the bigger pentagonal replacement that remains there today.

The fort was surrendered to the English twice in the centuries that followed. The second time, in 1810, was by a small group lead by Christopher Cole which changed the shape of the future, as they destroyed all the nutmeg plantations and took trees to the West Indies to ensure the Dutch monopoly over the spice trade was broken. This eventually lead to the signing of the transfer of New Amsterdam over to the British, which is today known as Manhattan.

The fort was again in disrepair when the Indonesian government had it restored in 1991, and today is listed with the UNESCO World Heritage Historic and Marine Landscape. A small entry fee is collected by locals at the entrance gate.