While Aruba is known for its beautiful beaches and popular tourist attractions in and around the capital of Oranjestad, the island also has many churches of historical significance. The chapel of Alto Vista, pictured above, was the first Roman Catholic church built on Aruba soil in 1750. While the chapel is basicly identical to the original, the buliding did undergo reconsrtuction in 1953 due to structural flaws and deterioration. The path leading up to the church is staked with white crosses, which mark the stations of the cross.
The church of Santa Ana, another historic Catholic church near Oranjestad, was built in 1776, and rebuilt again in 1831 and 1886. The church under went final renovations in 1916. This church is known for its historic altar, which was hand carved from solid oak wood in the 1800's and won an exhibition award in Rome in 1870. Click on the links below to learn more about these churches plus other religious institutions of historical significance.
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Other Aruba Churches' of Interest
History of Alto Vista Chapel
