Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba, Noord Travel Guide

4.3 (15)

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

Home
Travel Guides
Aruba
Noord
Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba

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

Wilhelminastraat 1, Oranjestad, Oranjestad-West, AW
Click to display
Click to display

Sunday 10 am-1:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba.

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.

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 about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Fisherman House

Duinen van Westpunt

Butterfly Farm

Peace Labyrinth

California Lighthouse

Explore Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Protestantse Gemeente van Aruba, mapped for you.

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.