Background

Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba: A Historical Beacon of Faith

4.3 (15)

Discover Aruba's oldest church: a serene sanctuary blending historical architecture with a welcoming spiritual community in the heart of Oranjestad.

The Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba, located on Wilhelminastraat in Oranjestad, is a significant religious and historical landmark. Founded in 1822, the original church building, dating back to 1846, is the oldest church on the island and reflects Aruba's Dutch heritage. Today, it serves as a serene space for worship, reflection, and special events.

A brief summary to Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba

  • Sunday 10 am-1:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the church's website for service times and special events, including concerts and exhibitions, held in the historic building.
  • Visit the A. van den Doel Bible Museum located in the old church to view its collection of historical Bibles and religious artifacts.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the architecture of both the old and new church buildings, reflecting Aruba's Dutch heritage and religious history.
widget icon

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Attraction

Old Protestant Church

Explore the Historic Old Protestant Church of Aruba
Attraction

Aruba Downtown Walking & Food Tours

Discover Aruba's Culinary Heart: Downtown Walking & Food Tours
Attraction

Bridge - Best Place for Cruise Photos

Bridge: Oranjestad's Prime Photo Spot

Unlock the Best of Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba is located on Wilhelminastraat 1 in Oranjestad. From the city center, such as the Main Street (Caya Betico Croes), walk east on Wilhelminastraat. The church will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    Arubus, the local bus service, has routes that stop near the city center of Oranjestad. From the central bus station, which is next to the cruise terminal and Royal Plaza, walk east on Wilhelminastraat to reach the church. A single bus fare is approximately Afl 2.25 (about $1.30 USD).

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Oranjestad. A short taxi ride from the cruise terminal or a hotel in the city center to the church should cost around $7-$10 USD. Note that there may be a surcharge of $3.00 on Sundays, official holidays, and from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in downtown Oranjestad. Paid parking is enforced from Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM. Parking spaces are marked with white lines. Payment can be made with local or U.S. coins, or by credit card at certain machines. Hourly rates are approximately Afl 2.00 (about $1.14 USD). Free parking spaces are available behind the Arubus main station.

Discover more about Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba

The Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba stands as a testament to the island's diverse religious history and architectural evolution. The congregation was established in 1822, and initially, services were held in a private home. In 1844, the community purchased a house from the Arends family on Wilhelminastraat, which then served as both a residence and a place of worship.In 1845, this house was torn down, and a dedicated church was constructed, incorporating stones from the original building. Completed in 1846, the church became known as 'De Kerk aan de Baay' (the church on the bay) because the coastline was closer to the church then. Over the years, the church has undergone several renovations, including the addition of a bell tower in 1867 and a portico in 1910.By 1950, a larger, new church was built next to the original one to accommodate the growing congregation. The old church was then repurposed and, after renovations in the 1980s and 90s, now serves as an exhibition and concert hall. It also houses the A. van den Doel Bible Museum, which features a collection of historical Bibles and religious artifacts. The museum is named after Anthonie van den Doel, a minister who served the church from 1983 to 2001.Today, the Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba continues to be an active and welcoming community. Visitors are drawn to its serene atmosphere and historical significance, making it a unique landmark in Oranjestad.

Explore the best of what Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba has to offer

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Noord

File:Aruba California lighthouse.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Discover Noord in Aruba: A blend of serene beaches, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history buffs.

Tell me more about Noord
Attraction

Discover Aruba's stunning coastline with Morningstar Sailing Charters. Snorkeling, sunset cruises, and private adventures await in the Caribbean Sea.

Morningstar Sailing Charters and Adventures Aruba
Attraction

Discover the Old Protestant Church in Aruba, a serene historical landmark reflecting the island's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Old Protestant Church

Select Currency