In Noord, beyond the hustle and bustle of the first-class resorts, a dirt road winds through the landscape. Cacti dot the area, creating a tranquil desert scene. The trail leads to a quaint yellow chapel with a spire topped by a delicate cross. Its importance is clear from afar, even as the wind whispers and local birds roam around it. This serene site is known as Alto Vista Chapel, a lasting trail of Aruba’s colonial past.
Built in the mid-18th century, Alto Vista Chapel has withstood the test of time. Or so it seems. As the island’s first religious center, it welcomed many worshipers for daily prayers honoring the Mother of the Rosary. Over time, other churches supplanted it, and the chapel fell into ruin. How did it recover? What pivotal moments shaped its history? Let us find out.
Frenchman’s pass: where legends and history meet in Aruba
A sacred hilltop: The story behind Alto Vista Chapel
After a class field trip, a teacher took the first steps to restore Alto Vista Chapel
The name “Alto Vista” roughly translates to “elevated view”, a nod to its hilltop location overlooking the Caribbean Sean and other notable landmarks. As mentioned above, the chapel’s origins trace back to a Spanish missionary who, with the help of Caquetio natives, built the first structure from branches and wooden planks. Despite its modest design and materials, locals always sensed its spiritual aura, even during its long period of inactivity between the 19th and the 20th centuries.
The Aruba Tourism Board notes that the idea of bringing it back to life first emerged in 1942. Some locals claim that, in the same year, a teacher named Francisca Henriques Lacle collected 5,000 florins to buy and install a statue of St. Mary. Her request to rebuild this sanctuary was rejected, but not without impact.
Ten years later, Monsignor van der Veer Zeppenfeldt ordered the start of its construction to create the Alto Vista Chapel that we know today, with its burnt-orange roof, wooden shutters and checkered floor. To preserve part of its history, the altar cross was saved and sent to the Netherlands for restoration.
Today, the chapel serves as a place for meditation and reflection, welcoming people from all countries and religious backgrounds. Arubans also come by occasionally, typically once a week, when a priest comes from the city to celebrate Mass. However, January 18 marks its busiest day due to the pilgrimage and events for the Feast of Saint Philomena.
Oranjestad trolley: A fun way to explore Aruba’s capital
How to get to Alto Vista Chapel
Alto Vista Chapel is often one of the many stops on guided tours around Aruba. Credits: Sebastian Sammer/Unsplash
Like other tourist attractions in Aruba, Alto Vista Chapel is a must for its rich background and age. Visitors can explore it independently or join a guided tour. Those who choose the first option usually arrive by rental car. From Malmok Beach and Ocean Z, head north on L.G. Smith Boulevard (Rte 1A/B), take Rte 2, turn left after Alvarezstraat, and continue on Alto Vista Street. The journey takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Travelers who are interested in following a local expert for deeper insights can always join a guided tour. The market offers plenty of options, such as this Countryside Exploration Tour, which highlights Aruba‘s past and includes pickup and drop-off. Another alternative is this seven-hour Full-Day Tour, which also stops at the Ayo Rock Formations, Natural Bridge and Baby Beach. For a more adventurous experience, try the Colorful Beach Bus Sightseeing Tour.
Whatever you choose, keep in mind that Alto Vista Chapel is often one of several stops on these tours. If you have extra time, check out the Peace Labyrinth, the Hofi Hawei trail, Three Black Stones or buy a few souvenirs to take home. Lastly, do not forget to bring enough water and a camera to capture these soon-to-be memories.
0 Comments