Alto Vista Chapel, Oranjestad Travel Guide

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Aruba's rugged north shore, the Alto Vista Chapel is a significant landmark steeped in history and spirituality. Built in 1750 by Caquetio natives and Spanish settlers, led by a Venezuelan missionary, Domingo Antonio Silvestre, it was the first Roman Catholic Church in Aruba. The original chapel, dedicated to Mother St. Mary, served as a center for worship and the conversion of native Arubans.Tragedy struck when a plague decimated the area, leading to the chapel's abandonment in 1816. However, the devotion of a local school teacher, Francisca, led to its revival in the early 1950s. She gathered funds, commissioned a statue of St. Mary from the Netherlands, and oversaw the chapel's reconstruction, completed between March and May 1952.The bright yellow chapel with its terracotta tiled roof stands out against the Aruban landscape. Inside, the design is simple yet elegant, featuring wooden pews and an altar adorned with religious artifacts. A white cross stands tall in front of the entrance, symbolizing hope and faith. Visitors can also explore the nearby Peace Labyrinth, a place for meditation and inner peace.Today, the Alto Vista Chapel welcomes visitors of all faiths seeking tranquility and spiritual solace. Weekly services are held on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM by a priest from Noord. The chapel also holds special significance during the annual pilgrimage on January 18th, the Feast of Santa Filomena.