Cultural sightseeing in Aruba

The best holiday is an alternation of pleasant idleness in a beautiful decor and visiting cultural and historical places. Due to the unique culture and complicated history of the small island of Aruba, the island is ready to offer tourists an incredibly rich cultural program. In the small territory of ​​the state there are museums in which you can get acquainted with the history and art of Aruba, churches of various denominations, historical buildings, and even ruins – all these sights bear the imprint of the island’s history. Even those who came to Aruba to relax, swim and sunbathe will definitely be fascinated by the historical monuments and amazing museum exhibits.

There is an art gallery in Oranjestad called “L’America Gallery”, where visitors will not only get acquainted with contemporary Latin American and Caribbean art, but also will be able to purchase some of the paintings, sculptures, clay products and original jewelry. Such works of art will be an authentic gift and a wonderful reminder of your holiday on the happy island. “Aruba Glass Ceramics” is another metropolitan gallery, which focuses on masterfully created glass and ceramic objects. Here you can buy souvenirs, play the role of glassblowers and even collect jewelry for yourself from wonderful beads.

The Oranjestad Museum “Cosecha” is a unique place dedicated to the heritage of Aruba. This is not only a museum, but also an excellent souvenir shop with a huge selection of products made by Aruban artists and artisans. You can find here modern and ancient products, learn interesting facts about craftsmen, and buy cheap jewelry as a souvenir. “Fort Zoutman” located in the capital, is both a museum and a historical monument. It is located in one of the oldest buildings on the island, an 18th century tower which offers a wonderful view. The tower at different times housed a police station, a library, a post office and even a prison. Now you can see here old furniture, guns and other exhibits. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the northern part of Aruba there is a restored Catholic chapel “Alto Vista”, built in the middle of the 18th century. It is necessary to come here if you are looking for peace and tranquility. It is a perfect place should you wish to turn away from the outside world and everyday worries, as the atmosphere in the quiet chapel situated on the seashore, is calm. In the capital there is a magnificent mid-19th century building of the Protestant church. Its tower proudly turned skyward impresses with its greatness. On weekdays, a Bible museum is open in the church. The Church of St. Anne in Noord is a charming building from the middle of the 18th century, as if it got here right from a fairy tale. Inside the church you will find an altar artfully carved out of wood.

One of the most remarkable and popular attractions in Aruba is the Old Dutch Windmill on Palm Eagle Beach. It was built in the Netherlands in the early 19th century, and then disassembled and relocated to Aruba. In this small bright-red mill which looks naturally among cactuses, palm trees and exotic flowers, is today located a restaurant, which makes visiting this place an excellent option for those who like to combine business with pleasure. Palm Eagle Beach also offers you the opportunity to dive into the sea and explore the remains of the legendary ship “SS Antilla”, which belonged to Germany. The ship which took goods from Aruba to Germany, anchored near the coast in May 1940, and its crew did not know that Germany had entered Holland. The Dutch were going to confiscate the ship, but the captain ordered the crew to sink it.

Diving enthusiasts will definitely enjoy exploration the sunken ship “Jane Sea”. The cement carrying ship that sailed between Aruba and Venezuela sank in the year 1988. According to legend, once in the mid-80s, the ship carried cocaine alongside cement, which caused it to be confiscated and subsequently flooded. In Noord, there is the sunken British ship of the Second World War, “SS Pedernales”. In 1942, after being severely damaged by a torpedo attack, the ship was divided into three parts, two of which were sent to the United States of America for repair, and one was left at the coast of Aruba. Now this place is popular among both tourists and local divers.

Acquaintance with the sights of the island of Aruba must surely include a visit to the ruins of Bushiribana, which is located in the north of the country. It was once a gold based factory built in the middle of the 19th century, at a time when the island was experiencing a gold rush. This place is good to take a walk and make memorable photos. On the northwest coast of the island is located the California Lighthouse, built in the early 20th century and named after the ship which crashed nearby. The building itself cannot be visited, but you can enjoy its exterior which looks remarkable. In the southern part of the island, in Sero Preto, there is the enchanting beauty “Lourdes Grotto”, created in the late 50s of the last century. This is a place of worship of Catholics. Here, right in the rock, is a grand statue of the Virgin Mary.