Built in 1916 by a French architect, the California Lighthouse is located at the farthest northwest tip of the the island and named for the wreck of a vessel called California, which occurred nearly two decades prior. While the steamship was made famous for receiving and dismissing the SOS calls made by the Titanic just a few years before its own demise, the lighthouse earned its reputation for a more pleasant reason, namely by offering stunning panoramic views of the island and its rocky northern coastline. It was restored in May 2016, which marked the centennial of the lighthouse's completion. The interior of the lighthouse is closed to the public though the scenic landmark is well worth visiting. After gazing out onto stone flats and azure waters, tourists often stop by the adjacent restaurant, aptly named La Trattoria el Faro Blanco, or "The White Lighthouse."
Originally built in 1750, the Alta Vista Chapel was the first Roman Catholic church to be built in Aruba. The church was established by a group of Catholic Indians and it was here that Domingo Antonio Silvestre of Venezuela began to convert other natives of Aruba to Christianity. Perched high above the sea with a spectacular view of the surroundings, the chapel remained the centerpiece of Catholic faith in Aruba until the plague forced the residents of Alta Vista to abandon their homes and beloved church in favor of a more secure residence in Noord. The church soon fell to ruin, but was later rebuilt at the same site in 1952 and boasts a simple design, with semi-circular pews and a bright yellow facade. The boundaries of the original church have been marked by a stone border, and at the altar stands a statue of the Mother Mary, patron saint of the church. Outside you will also find a few stone pews built to accommodate a larger number of worshipers. Although the humble chapel is neither grand nor elaborate in form, it boasts an austere charm and meditative atmosphere that appeals to both the religious and non-religious. The chapel may be reached via a winding road that is lined with the Stations of the Cross. Religious services are held here every week.
Set on the northern shores of Aruba, the ruins of the Bushiribana Gold Mill captivate visitors with its rich history and rustic charm. Historians believe it to be built around 1874 during the Caribbean gold rush, which was when colonial powers from all across Europe flooded the Caribbean in search of new gold reserves. The ruins of the mill are easily accessible via the famous Frenchman's Pass.
Built in 1798 to protect Paarden Baai (Horses Bay) from attack, Fort Zoutman is the island's oldest surviving building. A need for the establishment of a fort at the site was first identified by the Dutch when Paarden Baai gained prominence as an intermediate harbor along the trade route between Curaçao and Venezuela. In 1868, the iconic Wilhelm III Tower was built on the occasion of its namesake's birthday, and served the dual purpose of a lighthouse and clocktower until 1963 when the light was finally extinguished. With its stately design, the striking red tower has come to be one of the island's most iconic and recognizable landmarks that attracts visitors from near and far. Over the years, the fort and tower have served a variety of purposes, and today house the Historical Museum of Aruba.
Built in 1916 by a French architect, the California Lighthouse is located at the farthest northwest tip of the the island and named for the wreck of a vessel called California, which occurred nearly two decades prior. While the steamship was made famous for receiving and dismissing the SOS calls made by the Titanic just a few years before its own demise, the lighthouse earned its reputation for a more pleasant reason, namely by offering stunning panoramic views of the island and its rocky northern coastline. It was restored in May 2016, which marked the centennial of the lighthouse's completion. The interior of the lighthouse is closed to the public though the scenic landmark is well worth visiting. After gazing out onto stone flats and azure waters, tourists often stop by the adjacent restaurant, aptly named La Trattoria el Faro Blanco, or "The White Lighthouse."
Originally built in 1750, the Alta Vista Chapel was the first Roman Catholic church to be built in Aruba. The church was established by a group of Catholic Indians and it was here that Domingo Antonio Silvestre of Venezuela began to convert other natives of Aruba to Christianity. Perched high above the sea with a spectacular view of the surroundings, the chapel remained the centerpiece of Catholic faith in Aruba until the plague forced the residents of Alta Vista to abandon their homes and beloved church in favor of a more secure residence in Noord. The church soon fell to ruin, but was later rebuilt at the same site in 1952 and boasts a simple design, with semi-circular pews and a bright yellow facade. The boundaries of the original church have been marked by a stone border, and at the altar stands a statue of the Mother Mary, patron saint of the church. Outside you will also find a few stone pews built to accommodate a larger number of worshipers. Although the humble chapel is neither grand nor elaborate in form, it boasts an austere charm and meditative atmosphere that appeals to both the religious and non-religious. The chapel may be reached via a winding road that is lined with the Stations of the Cross. Religious services are held here every week.
Set on the northern shores of Aruba, the ruins of the Bushiribana Gold Mill captivate visitors with its rich history and rustic charm. Historians believe it to be built around 1874 during the Caribbean gold rush, which was when colonial powers from all across Europe flooded the Caribbean in search of new gold reserves. The ruins of the mill are easily accessible via the famous Frenchman's Pass.
Built in 1798 to protect Paarden Baai (Horses Bay) from attack, Fort Zoutman is the island's oldest surviving building. A need for the establishment of a fort at the site was first identified by the Dutch when Paarden Baai gained prominence as an intermediate harbor along the trade route between Curaçao and Venezuela. In 1868, the iconic Wilhelm III Tower was built on the occasion of its namesake's birthday, and served the dual purpose of a lighthouse and clocktower until 1963 when the light was finally extinguished. With its stately design, the striking red tower has come to be one of the island's most iconic and recognizable landmarks that attracts visitors from near and far. Over the years, the fort and tower have served a variety of purposes, and today house the Historical Museum of Aruba.