Plaza de España: A Glimpse into Guam's Past

Plaza de España, located in the heart of Hagåtña, Guam, is a poignant reminder of the island's layered past. From 1734 until World War II, this plaza served as the site of the Spanish Governor's Palace, the center of colonial power. Originally named Plaza de Magalahes, it was the stage for government and civic activities.Constructed in 1736, the Casa Gobierno, or Governor's Palace, was first occupied by Spanish Governor Francisco Cardenas Pacheco. The palace was reconstructed in 1885 by Governor Don Enrique Solano, featuring a two-story structure with a cantilevered balcony and clay tile roofing. Living quarters were upstairs, while the ground floor housed offices and storerooms. The kitchen and servants' quarters were located in the rear.Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, the plaza became the headquarters for the American administration and the residence of the Naval Governor. The Americans expanded the plaza, adding a baseball field and badminton court. The Kiosko (bandstand) now stands where the baseball field once was.During World War II, the Plaza suffered extensive damage during the bombardment of Hagåtña in 1944. Key structures that survived include the three-arch gate to Almacen (Arsenal), the azotea (back porch), and the Chocolate House. The Azotea, originally an open-air terrace, had a clay tile roof added after the war. The Chocolate House was where the governors would entertain guests.Today, Plaza de España continues to be a site for social and civic functions, including the inauguration of Guam's Governor.