Explore the historic buildings of Landhuis Rooi Catootje, from the landhuis and its cistern to the traditional kunukuhuis and bathhouse.
Together, they reveal how people lived, worked, and managed water on the estate through the generations.
The historic landhuis is the heart of the estate. Its ground floor dates from around 1820. After Salomon Elias Levy Maduro acquired Rooi Catootje in 1853,
a second floor was added to the building.
The landhuis remained connected to the Levy Maduro family for several generations.
Today, it houses the Mongui Maduro Museum, where family stories, historic objects and Curaçao’s wider social and cultural history are brought together.
In Curaçao’s dry climate, the collection and storage of water were essential. The cistern connected to the landhuis formed an important part of daily life on the estate.
It reminds us that the architecture of Curaçao was shaped not only by style and available materials, but also by the constant need to use water carefully.
The kunukuhuis is a traditional Curaçaoan dwelling associated with the people who lived and worked on the estate.
Its modest construction and zinc roof provide a clear contrast with the larger landhuis.
The building offers a valuable glimpse into everyday life at Rooi Catootje and helps tell a broader story about the different people who contributed to the estate.
The small bathhouse is located near a deep well. Together, these structures show how access to water influenced the organization and use of the estate.
The bathhouse is an important part of the architectural heritage of Rooi Catootje and adds another layer to the story of daily life on the property.
The historic buildings of Landhuis Rooi Catootje are more than separate monuments. Together, they tell a connected story about family life, work,
architecture and water management in Curaçao.
By preserving and sharing these buildings, we keep this history accessible for future generations.