Popular Tourist Attraction Churches &
Houses of Worship
Chapel of Alto Vista
The picturesque Chapel of Alto Vista, the first chapel of Aruba, exudes tranquility on its dramatic setting above the sea. The chapel was built by the Indians and Spanish and is often referred to as the Pilgrim's Church. The bright yellow chapel is reached by a winding road lined with white crosses marking the stations of the cross. For local Arubans especially, it is a special place for peace and contemplation.
The Church of Noord
The carved oak retable in the Church of Noord is a fine example of neo-Gothic sculpture. It was created in 1870 by Hendrik van der Geld. The retable, the communion rail and pulpit won a prize at the first Vatican Council held in Rome in 1870. They originated in the Netherlands, in the province of Noord-Brabant, but were later placed in Scheveningen church and finally in the Church of Noord. The Church of Noord is the third to be built on this spot and was constructed between 1914 and 1919. The rectory, built in 1877, is now the oldest rectory in Aruba. This site is well worth visiting whilst traveling around the island.
Santa Ana Church
The Santa Ana Church (Catholic) is also a popular tourist attraction in Aruba. It features a 100-year old hand-carved oak altar.
Noord. Tel: (297) 587 1409
Saturday 7:00 pm; Sunday 7:30 am and 6:00 pm
Beth Israel Synagogue
Adriaan Lacle Blvd. 2. Friday service 7:30pm
Jews, mostly merchants, arrived in Aruba at the beginning of the 20th century, when the oil refinery drew people from the Caribbean and Europe. The Jewish population today is small, but this synagogue endures. Most congregants at Friday night services are visitors on vacation. The temple is Conservative in style with full participation of both men and women. The small gift shop has one of a kind Aruban judaica. If the temple's closed, knock next door at the cantor's home.
Protestant Church
Wilhelminastraat 1 (behind the Sonesta) Sunday service 10:30am English and Dutch
Built in 1846, Oranjestad's Protestant Church is Aruba's oldest house of worship. Looming above a terracotta tile roof, the square tower, decorated with stars, hearts, and wooden shutters, looks like something out of Pennsylvania Dutch country. The church is usually locked, but its tiny Bible Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10am till noon. Sunday services, in Dutch and English, begin at 10am.
Saint Franciscus Church
Irausquinplein 3, Oranjestad. Masses daily at 7pm and on Sunday at 6:30am, 8am, 10am, and 7pm in both Papiamento and English
The largest Roman Catholic church in Aruba, modern Saint Franciscus boasts several architectural details that make it worth a visit. The barnlike ceiling soars heavenward, and a series of beautiful arches changes shades of blue gradually to frame the altar, where the central crucifix stands in front of simple but elegant trompe l'oeil clouds and sky.
More Churches, Houses of Worship
Baha'i FaithBucutiweg 19
Call Mr. Christian at Tel: (297) 5823104
Bible-Way Baptist Church
Bernhardstraat 18. San Nicolaas.
Tel: (297) 584 8491
Pastor J.M. Hostetler.
Sunday 9:30am & 10:30am
Church of Christ
Pastoor Hendrikstraat 107. San Nicolas.
Sunday 10:30am & 6pm
Tel. (297) 584 9733
Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day
Saints: Dadelstraat #16
Tel. (297) 582 3507
Sunday at 8am
Evangelical Church San Nicolas
Jasmijnstraat 7, San Nicolas.
Tel. (297) 584 8973
Sunday 10am
Faith Revival Center
Rooi Afo 10, Paradera
Tel: (297) 583 1010 / 583 3070
Sunday 10am and 6pm
Holy Cross Anglican Church
Weg Seroe Pretoe #31, San Nicolas.
Sun. 8 am; Wed 6pm; Fri 7am (English)
Tel. (297) 584 5142
Jehovah's Witnesses
Guyabastraat #3.
Tel. (297) 582 8963
Meeting 7:15pm. Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.
Methodist
Longfellowstraat.
Tel. (297) 5845243. English.
Oranjestad Sun. 11am
San Nicolas 8am
Brazil 11am
New Apostolic Church
Goletstraat 5A, Oranjestad.
Tel. (297) 583 3762.
Saturday 7pm; Wednesday 7pm
Pentacostal Apostolic Assembly
Bernardstr. #185
Tel: (297) 584 8710 / 584 5699
Sunday at 10:30am, 7pm, 8pm
Seventh Day Adventist Church
Weststraat, Oranjestad and
Dr.Schaepmanstraat 3, San Nicolas.
Tel (297) 584 5896
Sat. 9:15am; Sun. & Wed. 7.30pm